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How to Improve Sandy Soil in Perth Before Summer
If you’ve ever watered your Perth garden only to watch the water disappear almost instantly, you’re not alone! Much of Perth sits on sandy soils, which are naturally free-draining but can be challenging for gardeners because they don’t hold onto moisture and nutrients as well as richer soils. The good news? With a little preparation, you can give your garden a much better foundation before Perth’s hot summer weather arrives.
Why is Perth soil so sandy?
Perth’s sandy soil is part of the landscape we live in. While sandy soil has some advantages, including good drainage and being easy to dig, it can struggle to retain the water and nutrients that plants need. Dry sandy soil can also become water-repellent, meaning water may run across the surface or drain away before it reaches the plant’s roots. That’s why improving your soil is one of the best things you can do before summer.
Add organic matter
One of the simplest ways to improve sandy soil is to regularly add organic matter.
Compost, well-aged manure and quality soil improvers can help increase the amount of organic material in the soil, supporting its ability to retain moisture and nutrients.
For new garden beds, work your soil improver through the existing sand before planting. For established gardens, adding organic matter as part of your regular garden maintenance can help build healthier soil over time.
Help your soil hold onto moisture
Perth’s hot, dry summers mean water is precious, so you want as much of your irrigation as possible to reach the root zone. Water Corporation recommends incorporating materials such as bentonite clay and organic compost into sandy soil, while soil-wetting products can also help water penetrate water-repellent soil. The exact approach will depend on your soil, garden and plants, so it’s worth checking the requirements of your particular garden before adding amendments.
Don't forget the mulch
Once you’ve put the work into improving your soil, mulch can help protect it.
A layer of mulch over your garden beds can help reduce evaporation, moderate soil temperatures and suppress weeds. It also helps protect the soil from Perth’s strong summer sun. Just remember to keep mulch slightly away from the base of plant stems to reduce the risk of moisture-related problems.
Choose plants that suit Perth
Good soil is important, but choosing plants that are suited to our climate can make your garden much easier to maintain. Water Corporation recommends waterwise plants that are suited to Perth and the South West, including a range of native plants. Grouping plants according to their watering needs can also make irrigation more efficient.
Native and waterwise gardens can be particularly well suited to Perth’s warm, dry summers while still creating a beautiful outdoor space for enjoying the warmer months.
Get your garden summer-ready
Winter can leave lawns looking a little tired, but spring provides an opportunity to help them bounce back. Start by removing leaves and debris, dealing with weeds and checking for any thin or struggling areas.
Depending on the condition of your lawn, spring may be a good time to top dress, improve the soil underneath or repair bare patches. If you’re planning an even bigger lawn transformation, getting the preparation right underneath your turf is just as important as the lawn itself. A quality lawn mix can help create a better foundation for new turf and lawn area
Prepare Now for Perth's Summer
Spring is the perfect time to look at your garden from the ground up. Improving sandy soil, adding organic matter, refreshing your mulch and checking your watering system now can help your garden head into summer in much better shape. You don't need to tackle the whole backyard at once. Start with one garden bed, one lawn area or the patch that always seems to dry out first. With the right soil, quality garden materials and a little preparation, you can work with Perth’s natural conditions rather than against them.
Ready to get your garden summer-ready? Whether you need soil, mulch, manure, lawn mix, garden supplies or landscaping materials, Little Loads has everything you need to get your spring garden underway.
Located in High Wycombe, Little Loads supplies gardeners and landscapers across the Perth metro area, with convenient delivery options available. So get outside, enjoy the spring sunshine and give your garden a fresh start for the new season!
