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Garden Soil or Sandy Loam

Posted by danili Vic Aust (My Page) on
Mon, Jan 21, 08 at 16:58

Hi, I am in Melbourne and want to grow some of the WA variety plants in the garden. I have built a raised garden bed (0.5m high)and have prepared the clay base by breaking it up and adding gypsum. I always intended to put in a sandy loam however nurserymen are encouraging me to put in what they call garden soil. Looks like a nutrient rich loam but I am worried that it will be too nutrient rich. Any suggestions on which I should use?

Also, I have been tossing up putting in a drainage system ie: some perforated pipe (65mm)and connecting to storm water. Do people feel this is necessary?


Danili


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Garden Soil or Sandy Loam

You should ask them about the phosphorus content of the soil they're recommending and whether it would be suitable for WA natives. They should be able to answer these Qs for you.

Also, depending on the species you are wanting to grow you will be able to get some WA species that have been grafted onto indigenous root stock from the east coast. This way you can avoid problems with phosphorus toxicity. WA species such as banksia, boronia, hakea, kunzea, prostanthera, telopea, westringia and verticordia on eastern state root stock are relatively easy to track down.

Again, just have a talk with your local nursery and they'll point you in the right directions.


 
 

 

 


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