Sand

• Sand has excellent draining capabilities. However, it causes the soil to become too dry for many plants that need moist soil. Though many plants require moist soil, there are some plants like cacti that can thrive in sand.
  
  

Clay

• Clay has poor draining capabilities, which means it generally holds too much water in the soil. Few plants thrive in water logged soil, because their root systems become susceptible to root rot and fungi diseases. However, there are some plants like anemone that do well in clay soil.
  
  

Loam

• Loam soil has the best draining and moisture retention capabilities. A loamy soil in your yard is the optimal choice for most gardeners. Many plants thrive in this soil, because it drains well and holds in moisture.
  
  

Yards

• Most yards have a mixture of these three types of soils, but they differ in amounts. To find out what kind of soil you have, fill a jar with two thirds soil and one third water. Shake and wait for 24 hours. Sand settles on the bottom, loam in the middle and clay at the top.
  
  

Plant choice

• Choose plants for your yard based on what type of soil they prefer to grow in. By picking out native plants in your region, you have a better chance of the soil in your yard meeting the requirements of the plants.
  
  

Research

• Research the plant's preferred soil type, sun requirement and pH range prior to planting. Every plant has different growing requirements. Avoid planting anything that won't adhere to what you have in your yard or add soil amendments to tailor the yard to your plants.