If you’re a homeowner in Perth, you know that maintaining a healthy and well-manicured lawn can be a daunting task. With our hot and dry climate, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the best practices for lawn care in order to keep your grass looking green and lush. In this blog, we’ll be sharing expert lawn care tips and tricks for keeping your Perth garden looking its best, including information on watering, fertilising and mowing.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to lawn care, we’ve got you covered with practical advice and helpful insights. So let’s get started on achieving the lawn of your dreams!
Why Taking Care of Your Lawn is Important
A well-maintained lawn can add value and beauty to any home. It provides a safe and attractive outdoor space for children to play and serves as a natural backdrop for outdoor gatherings and activities. A healthy lawn also has environmental benefits, as it helps to filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and cool the surrounding air.
However, maintaining a healthy lawn requires time, effort, and a good understanding of the specific needs of your grass and soil. This is especially important in Perth, where the hot and dry climate can pose challenges for lawn care. By following some expert lawn care tips, you can keep your lawn looking its best and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
Our Expert Lawn Tips for Perth
Along with some of our tips on choosing the right lawn and helping it establish, we have also compiled our top expert lawn tips for taking care of your lawn to keep it healthy, vibrant and green!
Let’s start at the beginning…
Choose the Right Lawn
The first step in maintaining a healthy lawn is choosing the right grass for your climate and soil. In Perth, the most common types of grass are buffalo, couch, and kikuyu.
Buffalo grass is a low-maintenance option that is well-suited to the dry and hot climate of Perth. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand heavy traffic, making it a good choice for areas with children or pets. However, it is not as resilient as some other grass types and may require more frequent watering and fertilising to keep it looking its best.
Couch grass is another popular choice for Perth lawns. It is a hardy grass that can tolerate drought and heat, and is resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be more difficult to maintain than some other grass types, as it requires regular mowing and may require additional watering in summer.
Kikuyu grass is a fast-growing grass that is popular in Perth due to its ability to tolerate drought and heat. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, and can withstand heavy traffic. However, it can be more difficult to control than other grass types and may require regular mowing and maintenance to keep it looking its best.
When choosing a grass type for your lawn, consider your climate, soil type, and the amount of maintenance you are willing to commit to. It is also a good idea to consult with a local lawn care expert or the staff at a garden centre for advice on the best grass for your specific needs.
Should you choose to seed your new lawn or use roll out turf?
When choosing between seeding or turfing a new lawn in Perth, there are a few factors to consider. Seeding is typically more affordable and can be done at any time of year, but it does require much more maintenance and can take longer to establish. Turf, on the other hand, is more expensive but is quicker to install and requires less maintenance while it is established. It is also available year-round and can be used immediately after installation.
Establish Your New Lawn
If you are starting a new lawn from scratch, there are several steps you can take to ensure its success.
Prepare the Soil
Before planting your grass, it is important to prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and adding compost or other organic matter to improve the soil structure. You should also test the pH of the soil to ensure it is within the optimal range for grass growth (between 6.5 and 7.0) and level the ground.
Plant the Seed/ Lay the Turf
If you are seeding your lawn, once the soil is prepared, you can plant your grass seed. Rake the soil to create a smooth, even surface, and scatter the seed evenly over the area. Gently water the seed and keep it moist until it germinates.
If you are laying turf, apply a layer of compost or other organic matter to help improve the soil structure and add nutrients and water the soil well to ensure it is evenly moist. Once all the turf is in place, water it thoroughly to help it settle into the soil and promote root growth.
Watering
You’ll need to apply for a watering exemption from the Water Corporation to allow you to water your lawn or garden outside the watering roster while it is established. Only apply for a water exemption on the day your lawn or garden is installed so you get the maximum amount of extra watering days. If you don’t have an exemption, you can receive a fine – so don’t risk your lawn or your wallet!
Fertilise
After your grass has germinated, it is important to fertilise and water regularly to ensure it grows strong and healthy. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser package for the best results, and water your grass deeply and evenly to avoid drought stress.
Tips on taking care of your new lawn
Maintaining a lawn in Perth, Australia can be a challenging task due to the hot, dry climate and the high potential for weeds and pests. However, with proper care and attention, it is possible to keep your lawn looking healthy and beautiful. Here are some tips on how to maintain your new lawn in Perth:
Fertilise Your Lawn
Fertilising your lawn can help to promote healthy growth and keep it looking green and lush. There are several types of fertilisers available for use on lawns, including slow-release fertilisers and liquid fertilisers. Choose a fertiliser that is specifically formulated for use on lawns, and follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Water Your Lawn
One of the most important aspects of lawn care in Perth is proper watering. The key is to water your lawn deeply and less frequently, rather than shallowly and frequently. This helps to encourage deep root growth, which makes your lawn more drought-resistant. In general, your lawn should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the type of grass you have. It is important to avoid over-watering, as this can lead to fungal diseases and other problems.
Mow Your Lawn
Mowing your lawn regularly is an important part of maintaining its health and appearance. The key is to mow often enough to remove the top one-third of the grass blades, but not so frequently that you remove more than this. Mowing your lawn too short can weaken the grass and make it more susceptible to pests, weed growth and diseases. It is also a good idea to change the direction of your mowing pattern each time you mow, as this helps to prevent the grass from becoming compacted and encourages healthy growth. Our top tip for weed control; if weeds have already gone to seed use a ‘catcher’ so the seeds aren’t spread throughout the lawn again and can be disposed of correctly. There are many ways that lawn mowing keeps your lawn healthy and green so it’s important to do it correctly!
Control Weeds
Weeds can be a major problem for lawns in Perth, especially during the hot summer months. To keep your lawn weed-free, it is important to regularly inspect your lawn for weeds and remove them as soon as you see them. There are several types of weed control products available for use on lawns, including herbicides and weed-and-feed products. It is important to choose a product that is safe for use on lawns and follow the instructions carefully.
Protect your lawn from pests
Pests, such as grubs and chinch bugs, can be a major problem for lawns in Perth. To prevent pest problems, it is important to regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pests and take steps to control them if necessary. This may include using pest control products, such as insecticides or nematodes, or practising good cultural practices, such as maintaining proper soil moisture and mowing your lawn at the recommended height.
Repair damaged areas
If you have areas of your lawn that are damaged or patchy, it is important to take steps to repair them. This may include reseeding the area, adding new sod, or applying a lawn repair product. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, and be sure to water and fertilise the area as needed to encourage healthy growth.
Will you use our lawn care tips?
By following these expert lawn care tips, you can install and maintain your lawn to help keep it looking healthy and beautiful. Remember to be consistent with your lawn care routine, as this is the key to maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn.
If you know you need to use these lawn care tips but don’t have time – you can hand over the lawn care to us! Just call us on (08) 6263 4645 or contact us at Perth Gardening Experts to come and help you with your lawn and entire garden as part of one of our garden maintenance packages.
The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and weeds are rearing their ugly heads! While Perth’s warmer weather during early spring and summer helps your lawns and plants thrive – these same conditions also boost weed growth.
There’s nothing more frustrating than pesky weeds invading your perfect lawn. But rest easy, we’re here to help by sharing the best methods for weeding lawns.
Read on for our top ways to achieve a weed-free lawn.
Why Removing Lawn Weeds is Important
Removing lawn weeds is important because not only does a weed-free lawn looks attractive, but even small weeds can damage your lawn by:
draining vital nutrients/hydration
blocking sunlight
crowding grass leaving bare/brown patches.
The best way to keep your lawn weed-free is to remove weeds before they seed and germinate.
Types of Common Perth Lawn Weeds
Weeds are managed differently, depending on whether their growth cycle is annual, biennial or perennial.
Annual, Biennial or Perennial?
Annual weeds like Wintergrass and Bindii live for one growing season and regerminate from seed. Watch for them in new turf/soil and recently cultivated beds.
Tackle them annually before they seed — otherwise they’ll plague you for years. Many have shallow roots and can be hand-pulled, but herbicides may be needed.
Perennial weeds like dandelion and clover go dormant but return yearly. They’re challenging to manage, regrowing from underground bulbs, rhizomes, taproots or from seed.
Remove roots fully and without delay — to reduce regrowth, try a pre-emergent herbicide.
Biennial weeds like thistles and ragwort produce vegetation in year one but no flowers/seeds until year two. They aren’t common in lawns, but are best dealt with in year one.
If they’ve already taken hold, remove central taproots to prevent regrowth. Spot herbicides can also help.
Broadleaf and Grassy Weeds
Broadleaf and Grassy weeds are the main weed types. Sedge is another type, more common in cool climates. How you treat weeds is influenced by growth cycles, and which of these categories they fall into.
Now you know the basics, here are our top weed-busting tips!
Hand Weeding Tips
Hand weeding is ideal for managing weeds in young turf, and useful for ongoing maintenance.
Tackle weeds young — remove the whole weed (including roots) so it won’t regrow. Pull gently in one direction to stop roots breaking.
Don’t forget about garden beds — otherwise weeds will spread to your lawn!
Take extra care with weeds that have bulbs, rhizomes, or extensive root systems like onion weed, soursob and nutgrass. Consider using a spade, tiller or weed puller to fully remove roots, as roots left behind will regrow.
Pros and Cons of weeding lawns by hand:
Hand weeding is environmentally friendly, and works well for young weeds, and doesn’t damage lawns.
It may be too time-consuming for large areas with many weeds. Consider what’s best for you — our friendly team at Perth Gardening Experts can advise you.
Mowing Tips
Mowing lawns is part of routine garden maintenance, but can also be important in managing weeds.
As well as maintaining appearances, regular mowing improves lawn health, discouraging weed growth, particularly for weeds that spread via seeds.
When mowing established weeds, use a grass-catcher so cuttings containing seeds aren’t spread over the lawn.
Mowing can help promote healthy grass growth, and discourage some weeds.
Not all weed types will respond.
If you’re not sure what mowing approach is right for your grass or weeds infesting it, ask the experienced team at Perth Gardening Experts.
Natural & Non-Toxic Weed Killer Tips
Many gardeners worry about using herbicides. Perth Gardening Experts encourage use of natural/non-toxic weed killers where practicable.
These can be cheap and simple, but like any weed killer, can harm your lawn if not applied with caution.
Vinegar is a traditional favourite. A spray bottle with an accurate stream is needed, to ensure the vinegar goes directly on weeds, avoiding beloved plants! Salt can be added for potency, and liquid dish soapfor ‘sticking power’.
Baking soda draws water from weeds. Again, avoid contact with grass or other plants.
Boiling water is another option. Take care to avoid splashes or burns, and don’t scald your lawn either!
Steam is another non-toxic weedkiller. Purpose-built steam weed killing devices are available.
Mulch lawns with grass clippings. This blocks the sunlight weeds need to grow and also fertilises your lawn!
Pros and Cons of removing lawn weeds with natural weed killer:
Natural/non-toxic weed-killing options are more eco-friendly and safer than herbicides.
However, they can harm your lawn, and aren’t practical for large areas or very established weeds.
Herbicide (Chemical Weedkiller) Tips
Herbicides use chemical compounds to poison weeds.
Active ingredients can include glyphosate, atrazine, dicamba, paraquat, triazine, diquat, glufosinate, metolachlor, urea derivatives, trifluralin, and surfactants.
Herbicides can be pre-emergent (applied in winter to prevent seeds from germinating) or post-emergent (applied to established weeds, attacking existing roots/foliage).
Choose the right product for your weed varieties and grass type. For instance, there are selective herbicides specially formulated to kill Bindii weed, without damaging Buffalo grass.
If you’re unsure about what weed varieties or grass type you have, speak with a professional. Perth Gardening Experts can help you navigate the tangle of weeds, herbicides and grass types!
When applying herbicides, SAFETY IS KEY.
Many contain strong chemicals, so wear proper protective gear — a respirator mask, face shield, chemical resistant gloves/clothing, and boots.
Keep animals and people away from areas being sprayed – check product safety instructions, and keep children and pets off lawns for however long instructions recommend (this could be hours or days).
If the health risks of herbicides concern you, talk to the experts at Perth Gardening Experts about non-toxic, pet-safe options.
Time for a garden tidy-up but your green bin isn’t quite going to do the trick?
Here are some tips on green waste removal options to help you face your next big garden clean up…
Use Your Green Waste Bin
If you don’t have much green waste, your council-issued green waste bin might just do the trick. This is usually the case if you stay on top of things and just have a few weeds to pull or a shrub or two that needs a light trim. Keep in mind, it might look large when empty, but can fill up after a good clean-up in just a single garden bed!
You can put the following from your garden in your green bin:
Organic waste
Grass clippings
Small prunings
Wood (branches, pruning, etc)
Weeds
Dog poop
It’s important to keep your green waste bin uncontaminated so it can be recycled and repurposed properly!
Skip Bins – for large amounts of Green Waste Disposal
If you are doing a big garden clean-up, and don’t have a trailer to take it to the tip yourself, you’re going to need to hire a skip bin.
Sizes usually range from 3 cubic metres to 12 cubic metres and can be hired from many companies around Perth.
This allows you, not just bigger quantities, but for larger, heavier green waste disposal. The company will take it to a registered green waste recycling/composting facility so it can be turned into compost and mulch – rather than getting tossed in landfill.
In skip bins, you can dispose of additional green waste such as:
Large tree branches/stumps
Soil
Palm fronds
Along with the usual weeds, pruning, clippings, etc.
Skip bins can start from a few hundred dollars, but if the alternative is making multiple trips to the tip, it can be worth it in the end.
Tip – many green waste disposal facilities now won’t accept Prickly Pear cuttings so check with your skip bin company when booking.
Book a Garden Clean Up Service
Don’t want the hassle of gardening and green waste removal yourself?
As part of our Garden Cleanup and Garden Maintenance Packages, we are able to remove large quantities of green waste for you. Each of our Gardening Packages comes with an allocation of green waste removal, but if your service generates a larger quantity; e.g. after a yearly hedge trimming service or cleanup of a very overgrown and neglected garden, we can remove the extra for you.
We can also advise if it will require a full trailer load or organise a skip bin for you if it is a serious cleanup of a property that is more ‘jungle’ than garden! Either way, we will make sure that your garden is left looking healthy, well-maintained and tidy – so you don’t have to organise a thing.
Get in touch to book a gardening service today
Call our team on 08 6363 4645 to book in your garden service – we’ll take care of the clean up and remove all the green waste for you!
Here are some green waste removal FAQs…
Do you do garden clean-ups before green waste verge collection?
Yes! This is a great time to take advantage of the free green waste removal and give your hedges a good trim and your gardens a refresh! Contact us to book in for a garden clean-up before your suburb’s next collection.
How much green waste can you remove?
We travel with large trailers and can remove approximately 5m3 of green wastes at one time.
Is this a service you offer in your regular maintenance packages?
It sure is. If you have booked our team for a garden maintenance service or clean up, we will always remove the green waste generate as part of your service. Additional charges may apply.
We all need a haircut now and then. Our plants are no different!
Every living thing needs a little TLC. A regular trim, also known as pruning, is a great way to achieve this for hedges, shrubs and bushes.
Pruning can help to:
maintain a manageable height
create special shapes/growth habits (e.g. topiary, standards, espaliered plants)
remove unhealthy growth like dead/diseased branches, water shoots and suckers
improve airflow, light, and water penetration
reduce competition/overcrowding
grow better fruit and flowers
stimulate new growth
improve plant health
add ‘curbside appeal’ to your home.
For those new to pruning, knowing when and where to start, and how far to go without damaging delicate plants, can be intimidating.
Fear not! This blog post gives our top tips on how to prune hedges and bushes like an expert!
What’s the Difference Between Hedges, Bushes and Shrubs?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are differences.
What is a Hedge?
A group of bushes or shrubs, closely planted to:
create privacy
act as a fence/boundary/windbreak or
fit an aesthetic theme (e.g. formal gardens).
What is a Bush?
A small, woody plant, with dense, low-growing branches, typically up to 2.5m tall.
Bushes fill spaces, add contrast, and can be decorative showpieces!
Popular ornamentals include camelias, azaleas, and hydrangeas.
What is a Shrub?
It’s like a bush, but larger — up to 6m tall.
Shrubs can stand alone, or be massed together as hedges. They can be used to:
shelter plants, livestock or buildingsfrom sun/weather
attract wildlife
add colour/texture/contrast to gardens
create topiary (decorative shaped bushes).
When to Trim Hedges and Shrubs in Perth
When you prune depends on the plant, and why it needs pruning — for example, appearance, manageability, or plant health.
Some pruning can be done almost anytime — for example, removing dead branches, suckers, water shoots, diseased or damaged growth.
Late winter, after the coldest weather is over, is usually best for annual pruning, especially for summer and autumn-flowering plants. This promotes healthy spring growth.
The general rule is to prune after flowering or fruiting. Spring-flowering plants are pruned after flowering ends.
Be cautious about autumn pruning though — new growth can be damaged by winter cold. Prune deciduous plants lightly soon after planting, then again in winter when dormant. Summer maintenance pruning stimulates growth. Plant evergreens in spring and trim them immediately, then biannually. Trim more frequently for a denser hedge.
Light Trimming and Tip Pruning
Light pruning suits young plants that might be damaged by hard pruning. Even before plants grow together to form a hedge, regular light trimming improves foliage density, for a well-formed hedge.
A light all-over trim using shears or a hedge-trimmer also helps to shape shrubs.
Removing deadheads and deadwood improves plant health. Trim at the 2nd or 3rd eye bud, immediately below the flower-bearing stalk.
To tip or pinch-prune, remove the ends of shoots during the growing season, pinching them out by hand. This encourages new shoots, shapely growth, and more flowers.
Moderate Trimming/Pruning
Moderate pruning suits established plants.
Cut healthy shoots back by about one-third of the whole plant, or half the previous year’s growth, to about 45-60cm from the base.
This stimulates more new growth than light pruning.
Hard Trimming/Pruning
Hard pruning (rejuvenation pruning) can be beneficial where pruning is long overdue.
It is especially appropriate for:
plants that get badly out of control like honeysuckle
vigorous deciduous species like forsythia and viburnum
common hedging plants like privet and Japanese holly
multi-stemmed shrubs like lilacs and roses.
Hard pruning of healthy plants to about 20-30cms above the ground encourages the plant to grow into a better shape.
Avoid hard pruning of unhealthy plants, as it can send them into shock.
What Tools to Use to Trim a Hedge
You are only as good as your tools — so invest in the right tools for the job.
Buy the best you can afford to make it both easier for you and better for the hedges — ground-steel blades and gear technology can help maximise cutting power.
Secateurs: your go-to hand tool for pruning, trimming, and deadheading. Choose secateurs with a bypass blade and gears.
Hedging Snips: a light, sharp hand tool, with long flat blades — useful for fine trimming of leaves and small stems.
Lopper: long-handled secateurs for pruning high branches, tall hedges and dead wood.
Pole Pruner: a small saw/secateur, mounted on a telescopic pole (manual or powered), used for safely trimming high branches.
Hedge Shears/Clippers: long-bladed hand tool for light trimming/shaping of shrubs and straight edges (e.g hedges).
Pruning Saw: a small, sharp hand saw, for branches up to 10cm thick. The narrow blade accesses dense foliage.
Hedge Trimmer: a motorised saw, optimal for trimming large/formal hedges efficiently. Choose from petrol, mains-electric, or battery-powered options.
Chainsaw: useful for big jobs, but less precise than hedge trimmers/shears. Use very carefully to avoid injury!
For assistance with hedge-trimming, contact us at Perth Gardening Experts. We use commercial-grade electric tools — much quieter and more environmentally friendly than petrol-powered tools. And our team are experts at trimming and shaping hedges.
How to Trim Hedges Correctly
Why trim hedges correctly?
Correct trimming keeps hedges compact and attractive, and stimulates growth.
Incorrect pruning can weaken plants and look terrible.
Step 1: Prepare Your Environment
Have a plan. Consider the weather — don’t prune in wind or rain.
Ensure hand-tools are sharp and power tools are fueled/charged.
If you aren’t confident to cut by eye, set string lines to help you cut straight. Save on clean-up time by using a drop-sheet to catch clippings.
Step 2: Remove Dead and Diseased Branches
Remove dead and diseased branches first.
Cut problem limbs back to their base, or to a strong lateral branch or shoot. This stops disease from spreading further, improves nutrient uptake, and encourages growth.
Step 3: Trim and Shape the Hedge
Trim protruding branches, then fine prune, for a smooth surface appearance. Start slowly — you can always take more off later, but you can’t put anything back!
For medium-height hedges, trim sides first, from back to front, cutting vertically. Prune the top horizontally, positioning your saw at a slight angle.
For tall hedges, trim the top first, then the sides. If using a ladder, tie it to a tree, or have someone hold it.
Always hold the cutting blade close to the main stem, cutting cleanly without tearing. Cut just outside the branch collar (where the branch begins). Don’t leave stubs — these encourage pests and diseases. Make your hedge wider at the base, so sunlight can reach lower areas.
NOTE: If you aren’t comfortable climbing a ladder, call our team at Perth Gardening Experts on 08 6263 4645! Our expert staff safely prune hedges up to 3m in height.
Feed your shrubs after pruning, using the right fertiliser for the type of plant.
Conclusion on How to Trim Hedges
Now you know why effective hedge trimming is vital to keep it healthy and immaculate.
You also know how and when to prune, to make your shrubs a stunning garden feature.
But let’s face it, we all just have way too much on our plate at times!
So before your hedge gets out of hand, and if you are worried about safety or achieving a beautiful end result, call Perth Gardening Experts and we’ll take care of it for you.
Whether it’s a one-off visit you need, or a convenient long-term maintenance package, we can help!
Call us on 08 6263 4645 or get in touch online — our friendly team are happy to discuss how PGE can help keep your garden looking great!
If you’re reading this, you probably already know that healthy soil can transform your garden! All true garden geeks know that quality soil delivers vibrant plant growth, and tastier, more nutritious fruit and veg.
But did you know that improving your soil can save you time? And money? And help the environment?
So if you’re time-poor, budget-conscious, or just love the taste of those heirloom tomatoes (but hate the price), read on!
Whether you are a ‘garden gourmet’, dollar-wise, or want to save the planet, this blog can help!
Why Does Improving Soil Quality Matter?
Poor soil is a problem for many Perth gardeners.
It can be hard to dig, erode easily, and starve plants of nutrients and water.
Plants can be low-yielding, unattractive, and die young!
This post will help you diagnose what ails your soil, and learn about the antidotes and how to improve your soil.
So put on your white coat and get ready to treat the patient!
Perth Soil Types
Western Australia has too many soil types to discuss in detail here (at least 60!)
We will however:
introduce you to ‘soil supergroups’ found in Perth
help identify your soil-type
share our top ten soil improvement tips.
Soil Supergroups – different types of Perth soils
1. Wet/Waterlogged soils
Wet soils can occur near former swamps, on river plains and near lakes.
They can be fertile, and are usually waterlogged seasonally, rather than all year. They can also have problems, including waterlogged patches, salinity, and metal toxicity.
2. Rocky/Stony Soils
These soils have >50% coarse fragments (pebbles, stones, gravel, boulders and underlying rock slabs).
Problems vary depending on the type/size of stones, and whether soil is sand, loam or clay.
Stony soils can have problematic pH, patchy depth, poor water penetration/retention, and low fertility. They are hard work!
3. Ironstone Gravelly Soils
Ironstone gravelly soils have similar problems, but can suit Mediterranean plants like olives and grapes.
4. Sandy Topsoil
This is the type of soil you will find in a lot of Perth gardens! Most of Perth has sandy topsoil, infamous for its poor absorption and poor retention of moisture and nutrients.
Unimproved sandy soils generally sustain only hardy plants.
The main sandy soil subtypes are:
Sandy Duplexes (<80cm sand over clay or loam)
Shallow Sands (sand <80cm over rock/hardpan layer)
Loamy soil is 3cm to 80cm of loamy soil, over rock or clay.
Loam is fertile, retains moisture, and needs little improvement, but isn’t common in Perth.
6. Clay Topsoil
Clay soil is also relatively uncommon.
Depending on subsoil, clay is neutral to acidic, and moderately fertile.
Problems include waterlogging, water resistance, compaction, and drying rock-hard. This constricts roots and discourages earthworms.
Summary of common soil problems
Problem soil may:
repel water
lack nutrients or struggle to retain nutrients
lack microorganisms
be too acidic/alkaline
be compacted
be prone to waterlogging
erode easily
be saline
have toxicities
be hard work!
What type of soil do I have?
Your location will often determine your soil type.
Perth is on the Swan Coastal Plain, which runs from the coast to Perth hills.
There are three ancient dune systems, and an alluvial floodplain area.
Quindalup Dune System
Some coastal suburbs are on deep sand — the Quindalup dune system. Soil is cream coloured calcareous sand (contains marine shells).
Spearwood Dune System
Central suburbs and remaining coastal areas are on the Spearwood dune system, with predominantly deep yellow sand, or shallow brown sand over limestone.
Bassendean Dune System
Further inland is the Bassendean dune system, predominantly deep pale grey and brown sand.
Pinjarra Alluvial Plain
The fertile Pinjarra alluvial plain runs beside the Perth Hills. It has sandy duplex soils, brown sandy earths, shallow loamy duplex soils and brown loamy earth.
Worm farms supply nutrients, but your garden should also be ‘worm friendly’.
To achieve this add organic matter like:
compost
manure
coffee grounds
veggie scraps
Insulate soil, keeping it moist and avoiding extreme temperatures, using:
mulch
straw/grass clippings
cardboard/paper.
Keep pH between 5 and 8.
Try to minimise digging. Let the worms do the work!
10. If all else fails, ask the experts!
Just as soil analysis is sometimes best done by experts, soil improvement can also benefit from expert assistance. Perth Gardening Experts are happy to help with your soil improvement!
So are you ready to improve your soil?
This blog may have given you all you need to get started on solving your soil problems.
But if you still have questions, or aren’t sure you’re equipped for the task, contact us call us now on (08) 6263 4645.
The friendly team at Perth Gardening Experts will help you work out what is best for you, and how we can help!
