After the rain, Little Thunder stomped into the vegie patch. "Why is my hoof so muddy here, but not by the creek?"

"Different soil," said Suzy. "Let's find out!"

They filled three pots. One had sandy soil from the creek. One had sticky clay from the dam. One had dark loam from the garden.

Spike rubbed some sand between his paws. "Gritty and loose."

Little Thunder squished the clay. "Smooth and sticky, like playdough!"

Suzy crumbled the loam. "Soft and crumbly, and it smells earthy."

Then they poured water into each pot. Whoosh! The water raced through the sand. The clay held it like a puddle. The loam let it soak through slowly.

"Loam is just right for plants," said Suzy.

Something wriggled in the loam. "A worm!" said Little Thunder.

"Worms make tunnels so air and water get in," said Spike. "And beetles and compost help too."

Little Thunder gently put the worm back. "Thanks for looking after our soil, little friend."