Hi l live in Maple Ontario. The yard is southern exposure and
the privacy fence I want to place is on the west side. The
soil is very is sandy, but is always wet. I wanted to achieve
privacy and also deal with the soggy soil. Please advise some viable solutions. Thank you.
Toronto Master Gardeners has prepared a Garden Guide that should help you decide what plants, especially perennials, will do best in your sandy soil conditions and how to amend sandy soil for best results. You can access it at https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/gardeningguides/perennials-for-sandy-soils-a-toronto-master-gardeners-guide/
Before planting new perennials, you should amend sandy soils with 10 to 15 cm of organic material, such as moistened peat moss, composted manure, compost, or leaf mould. This will add nutrients and improve the ability of the soil to hold moisture. When adding organic material, do not dig the amendment into the soil. This will disturb the soil profile, established over many years by every-present soil microorganisms. Instead, top dress the planting area with the organic material, and let the worms and other tiny creatures do their work. Slow-release organic fertilizers, like bone or blood meal, or granular fertilizers, are best added when soils are being prepared. Remove all weeds before planting.
Using a product containing mycorrhizal fungi (a fungus that occurs naturally in the soil) at planting time, will enhance the development of the roots, reduce transplant shock, and result in a sturdier healthier plant.
A 2-3” layer of organic mulch will keep the soil cool and moist, reduce water requirements and lessen weed germination. As well, it improves soil structure and feeds the plants when it breaks down. Shredded bark, compost, and pine needles make good mulches.
Perennials for Sandy Soils: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide