Windham County Soil Data
Windham County, Vermont
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
22.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Windham County, Vermont
Southern Vermont's Acidic Ground
Windham County features an average pH of 4.56, much lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidic profile is characteristic of the southern Green Mountains and defines the local ecosystem. It closely matches the state's overall average acidity of 4.86.
A Versatile Silt and Sand Mix
The soil is composed of 41.8% sand and 30.1% silt, providing a medium that balances drainage and moisture retention. A low clay content of 5.3% means the soil is light and easy to till. This mix is well-suited for a variety of landscaping and agricultural uses.
High Carbon, Moderate Storage
Windham's organic matter sits at 22.55%, which is elite compared to the 2.0% national average. However, the water capacity of 0.203 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.235 in/in. While the soil is rich in nutrients, it may require mulch to maintain consistent moisture during summer.
Light Soils and Quick Drainage
Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this county. Given the 41.8% sand content, you can expect water to move relatively quickly through the soil profile. This is beneficial for preventing waterlogged roots but may lead to faster nutrient leaching.
A Longer Season in Zone 5b
Windham County enjoys hardiness zone 5b, offering a slightly longer growing season than much of Vermont. This allows for a wider variety of perennials and even some more sensitive fruit trees. Use the high organic matter to your advantage and start a vibrant home garden this spring.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Windham County have?
Windham County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 30% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Windham County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Windham County's soil has a low pH of 4.6, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Windham County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Windham County.
What crops or plants grow well in Windham County's soil?
Based on Windham County's Loam texture, pH of 4.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Windham County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Windham County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Windham County
Soil Verdict
Windham County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Windham County closely matches the Vermont average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Windham County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Vermont
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.