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Creeping Inch Plant Soil:
How to Choose the Right Type

Updated: July 18, 2022

Creeping inch plants, also known as creeping Charlie or ground ivy, are a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any garden. However, choosing the right soil for your creeping inch plants is crucial to their growth and health.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of soil that work best for creeping inch plants and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your garden.

Types of Soil for Creeping Inch Plants

  1. Well-draining Soil: Creeping inch plants need soil that drains well to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Sandy loam and loamy soils are ideal for creeping inch plants as they provide good drainage while retaining enough moisture for healthy growth.

  2. Acidic Soil: Creeping inch plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. You can test your soil’s pH using a home testing kit or by sending a sample to a soil testing laboratory.

  3. Nutrient-rich Soil: Creeping inch plants require soil that is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can add compost or organic fertilizers to your soil to improve its nutrient content.

Tips for Choosing the Right Soil

  1. Check Your Soil Type: Before planting your creeping inch plants, check your soil’s texture and composition. If your soil is heavy clay, you may need to amend it with sand or organic matter to improve drainage. If it’s too sandy, you may need to add more organic matter to increase its ability to retain moisture.

  2. Test Your Soil’s pH: As mentioned earlier, creeping inch plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil’s pH is too high or too low, you can adjust it by adding lime or sulfur.

  3. Consider Organic Options: Organic matter such as compost, manure, or leaf mold can improve the structure and nutrient content of your soil. These organic options are also more environmentally friendly and sustainable than chemical fertilizers.

  4. Choose a Well-Draining Location: Creeping inch plants need well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Choose a location in your garden that is well-drained and gets enough sunlight.

FAQ

What is creeping inch plant?

Creeping inch plant, also known as creeping Charlie or ground ivy, is a low-growing, trailing plant that is often used as a ground cover in gardens.

What type of soil do creeping inch plants prefer?

Creeping inch plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Can I use chemical fertilizers for my creeping inch plants?

While chemical fertilizers can provide nutrients to your creeping inch plants, they are not as environmentally friendly or sustainable as organic options such as compost or manure.

How often should I water my creeping inch plants?

Creeping inch plants require regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water them once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions in your area.

Can I grow creeping inch plants indoors?

Yes, creeping inch plants can be grown indoors in a well-draining potting mix with bright, indirect sunlight. However, they may not thrive as well as they would outdoors in natural light.