Plants For Gardening With Salt Water Soil
Found predominantly along sea coasts or tidal rivers and estuaries, salty soils occur when sodium builds up in the soil. In most areas where rainfall is above 20 inches (51 cm.) per year, salt accumulation is rare because the sodium is quickly leached from the soil. However, even in some of these areas, runoff from winter salted roads and sidewalks and salt spray from passing vehicles can create a microclimate in need of salt resistant gardens.
Growing Salt Resistant Gardens
If you have a coastal garden where sea salt will be a problem, don't despair. There are ways to combine gardening with salt water soil. Salt tolerant shrubs can be used to form wind or splash breaks that will protect less tolerant plants. Trees that tolerate salty soil should be planted closely to protect each other and the soil beneath. Mulch your garden of plants that tolerate salty soil and spray them regularly and thoroughly, particularly after storms.
Plants That Tolerate Salty Soil
Trees That Tolerate Salty Soil
The following is only a partial list of trees that tolerate salty soil. Check with your nursery for size at maturity and sun requirements.
- Thornless Honey Locust
- Eastern Red Cedar
- Southern Magnolia
- Willow Oak
- Chinese Podocarpus
- Sand Live Oak
- Redbay
- Japanese Black Pine
- Devilwood
Shrubs for Salt Resistant Gardens
These shrubs are ideal for gardening with salt water conditions. There are many others with moderate tolerance.
- Century Plant
- Dwarf Yaupon Holly
- Oleander
- New Zealand Flax
- Pittosporum
- Rugosa Rose
- Rosemary
- Butcher's Broom
- Sandwich Viburnum
- Yucca
Perennial Plants That Tolerate Salty Soil
There are very few small garden plants that tolerate salty soil in high concentrations.
Moderately Salt Tolerant Perennial Plants
These plants may do well in your garden and sea salt or salt spray will not be a problem if they are well protected.
- Yarrow
- Agapanthus
- Sea Thrift
- Candytuft
- Hardy Ice Plant
- Cheddar Pinks (Dianthus)
- Mexican Heather
- Nippon Daisy
- Crinum Lily
- Mallow
- Hens and Chicks
- Hummingbird plant
Gardening with saltwater conditions can be a problem, but with thought and planning, the gardener will be rewarded with a special place as unique as its surroundings.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Jackie Rhoades began writing for Gardening Know How in 2010.
-
5 Low-Maintenance Plants & Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning To Look Their Best
By Teo Spengler
-
6 Fall Lawn Care Tasks To Prioritize Before Winter – Plus When To Make The Last Cut
Use our guide to prepare your lawn for its winter slumber, and it will awaken in spring with lush, verdant grass you can be proud of.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
What Is A Maritime Forest – Trees And Shrubs For Maritime Environments
What are the most common trees and shrubs for maritime forests? Read on for info on maritime forest plants.
By Teo Spengler
-
Seaside Gardening Issues: Common Issues Affecting Coastal Gardens
Issues affecting coastal gardens mainly stem from wind, salt spray, periodic storm waves, and shifting sand. In this article, we will tackle the question of how to handle problems with seaside gardening.
By Amy Grant
-
Seaside Garden Basics: Planning And Maintaining Gardens Near Ocean Fronts
Seaside landscaping presents unique challenges. Seaside gardens call for plants that thrive in the face of adversity. The information in this article can help when planning coastal gardens.
By Jackie Carroll
-
Best Seaside Garden Plants: Choosing Plants For A Seaside Garden
If you're lucky enough to live near the beach, you'll want great seaside plants to show off your garden. Choosing seaside plants is not difficult, once you learn what to look for, and this article can help.
By Becca Badgett
-
Seaside Vegetable Garden: Tips For Growing Vegetables On Coast
Most plants have little tolerance to high levels of salt, especially vegetables. The sodium draws moisture out of the plant and it can burn roots. This article will help with growing veggies near the sea.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Seaside Gardens - Catch The Wave With Seaside Gardening
The natural conditions along the coast can create a hostile environment for garden plants. Seaside gardening away from these conditions also presents challenges for the gardener. Learn more here.
By Nikki Tilley