Beverly Rounds June 2026
If you've ever planted something that looked promising in the nursery, only to watch it struggle and fade a few weeks later, sandy soil is likely the culprit. Coastal gardening here in Brunswick County comes with a particular challenge beneath our feet — sandy, fast-draining soil that tends to be low in organic matter, nitrogen, and the micronutrients our plants crave. The good news? Once you understand sandy soil, you can work with it — and even turn it into an advantage.
Why Sandy Soil Is Tricky
Sandy soil drains quickly, which means it also dries out quickly and doesn't hold nutrients well. Water and fertilizer pass right through before plant roots can make much use of them. Unlike heavy clay soils further inland, sandy coastal soil heats up fast in summer and cools quickly in fall — which actually opens up some opportunities, but only if we feed it properly.
The Fix: Organic Matter, Organic Matter, Organic Matter
The single most important thing you can do for a sandy coastal garden is add organic matter — and keep adding it. Compost, aged leaf litter, and pine bark all help sandy soil retain moisture and nutrients much longer. A good rule of thumb: add a generous layer of compost every time you dig a planting hole, and top-dress beds each spring and fall.
If you're not sure where your soil stands, take advantage of the free or low-cost soil testing offered by the NC Department of Agriculture. It takes the guesswork out of what your garden actually needs.
Mulch Is Your Best Friend
In coastal gardens, mulch does double duty — it slows moisture loss and gradually breaks down to improve soil structure. Pine needles, wood chips, or shredded bark work beautifully here. Aim for 2–3 inches around plantings, keeping mulch pulled a few inches away from stems and trunks to prevent rot.
Choose Plants That Embrace the Sand
Rather than fighting sandy soil, lean into plants that naturally love it. A few standouts for our area:
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) — Bright orange blooms, essential for Monarch butterflies, thrives in full sun and dry sandy soil. A perfect addition to any Butterfly Highway garden (more on that in our next story!).
- Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) — Spectacular rosy-pink fall plumes, prefers low-nutrient sandy ground and requires almost no care once established.
- Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) — A cheerful yellow native wildflower that blooms for months, tolerates drought, and feeds pollinators all summer long.
- Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis) — Sprawling, cheerful, and nearly indestructible in sandy coastal conditions. Birds love the seeds.
One More Tip: Fall Is Your Secret Weapon
Don't put the garden to bed too early. Fall is actually an ideal planting season here on the coast. Temperatures drop, insect pressure eases, and sandy soil — which warms up quickly — gives roots a chance to establish before true winter sets in. Cool-weather crops like kale, lettuce, spinach, and turnips thrive in fall gardens, and native plantings put in the ground in September or October tend to establish beautifully by spring.
Sandy soil isn't a limitation — it's just a different kind of garden waiting to happen. Work with it, feed it well, and you might be surprised how generous it can be.
Happy planting from the coast! 🌿