By Darrell Smith – Owner, DH Garden Centre & DH Landscape Solution
“Our garden just won’t grow. We’ve tried everything.”
That’s what a customer told me last spring. They had just moved into a cozy home in Point Grey, Vancouver, with big gardening dreams and a backyard full of sandy soil.
Water wouldn’t stay. Plants kept wilting. Fertilizer seemed to disappear. They were frustrated and ready to give up.
But here’s what I told them: “Sandy soil isn’t a curse – it’s an opportunity. You just need to know how to work with it.”
Today, that same couple is growing carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, even herbs—right in the same soil they thought was “useless.” Let me show you how we did it.
What Is Sandy Soil?
Sandy soil is made of large particles from weathered rocks like granite or limestone. It feels gritty and loose in your hands, drains quickly, and has low nutrient retention.
Signs You Have Sandy Soil:
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Water runs through it quickly
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Fertilizer seems to vanish
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Soil crumbles in your hand when wet
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Plants wilt faster, especially in summer heat
While this can be frustrating, it also means your soil has great drainage, which many vegetables love—especially root crops!
How to Improve Sandy Soil for Gardening in Canada
Living in Vancouver or other coastal regions of BC? Sandy soil is common—but easy to fix. Here’s a 3-step plan I use for my clients and recommend to gardeners at DH Garden Centre:
1. Add Organic Matter Generously
Sandy soil lacks nutrients and the ability to retain moisture. To fix this, mix in plenty of organic material.
✅ Best choices for Vancouver gardeners:
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Compost (kitchen scraps, leaf mold, aged manure)
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Coconut coir (great for water retention)
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Worm castings (natural fertilizer)
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Peat moss (in small amounts to retain moisture)
🛒 All available at dhgardencentre.com or in-store at 3742 West 10th Ave, Vancouver.
Pro tip: Add 3-4 inches of compost to your beds and mix it into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
2. Mulch to Protect Moisture and Feed Your Soil
Cover your garden beds with a thick layer of organic mulch—like straw, shredded leaves, or bark mulch. This:
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Keeps moisture in
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Prevents weeds
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Slowly adds more organic matter as it breaks down
It’s one of the easiest ways to transform sandy soil over time.
3. Choose Plants That Thrive in Sandy Soil
Many people are surprised to learn that sandy soil is perfect for certain vegetables. It allows roots to grow deep and fast.
🥕 Top vegetables for sandy soil:
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Carrots
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Radishes
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Potatoes
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Beets
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Garlic
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Onions
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Leeks
🍅 Other crops that do well (with more watering):
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Tomatoes
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Squash
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Peppers
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Lettuce
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Melons
🌿 Herbs like rosemary, oregano, thyme, and sage love the drainage of sandy soil—especially in Vancouver’s mild climate.
Fertilizing Sandy Soil: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Sandy soil loses nutrients quickly. That’s why I always recommend a slow-release organic fertilizer. It feeds your plants gradually over time, without leaching away.
💡 Apply before planting, mix into the soil, then top up every 4–6 weeks during growing season.
Watering Tips for Sandy Soil Gardens
Because sandy soil dries out fast, deep, consistent watering is key.
💧 Here’s what works:
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Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation
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Water deeply 2–3 times a week (not shallow daily watering)
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Always mulch to reduce evaporation
The Garden Turnaround: One Month Later
That couple I mentioned at the beginning? Within a month, their garden was full of life—lush lettuce, blooming tomatoes, even baby carrots starting to peek through.
They sent me a message:
“We thought our backyard was hopeless. Thank you for showing us it wasn’t the soil—it was just the strategy!”
And that’s the heart of what we do at DH Garden Centre. We help gardeners rethink their challenges and turn them into success stories.
🌱 Your Sandy Soil Garden Starter Kit – Only at DH Garden Centre
We’ve put together a “Sandy Soil Garden Kit” to help you grow your dream veggie garden, even in tricky soil.
Includes:
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2 x 25L bags of organic compost
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1 x Coconut coir brick (expands to 60L)
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1 x Organic slow-release veggie fertilizer
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Free in-store soil check & planting advice from our team
📍 Visit us at DH Garden Centre – 3742 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC
🛒 Or order online: www.dhgardencentre.com
Final Thoughts from Darrell
Sandy soil isn’t a problem—it’s just misunderstood. With the right amendments and care, it can be the perfect base for growing fresh, healthy food in your own backyard.
At DH Garden Centre, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from soil to harvest. Let’s grow something amazing together 🌿
