Looking for ways to keep your garden healthy and looking great?
Growing a thriving garden in Perth comes with its own unique issues; we live in a hot and dry climate so it’s important to take care of your gardens and lawns in the most appropriate way for our local environment. With that in mind, we have complied our favourite useful gardening tips to have in your tool kit to help you improve garden health, fight pests and disease and make your garden even more beautiful!
Some of these you may know, some may be new to you, and some may even surprise you! Read on for our top useful gardening tips for proud Perth gardeners…
1. Compost Gold
Start a compost bin with kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Compost adds essential nutrients to the soil, improves its structure, and promotes beneficial microbial activity. There are so many compost bin options now that make it easier to do – including sizes perfect for smaller properties and spaces. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to recycle organic waste and reduce your carbon footprint in the garden and keep food waste out of landfill. Trust us, you’ll see the difference in colour – your compost will be a rich, dark earthy colour, compared to the usual Perth soil which is light brown/grey or just sand!
2. Mulch Matters
If you read our blogs, you’ll have seen us talk about this before, but mulch is essential for healthy, waterwise gardens in our book! Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as pine bark or jarrah (you can even use shredded leaves or straw/lupin mulch) around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Mulch also gradually breaks down, enriching the soil with nutrients and improving its overall health over time. For added weed suppression and ‘layers’ in your soil’s eco-system, add layers of newspaper or carboard between the soil and the mulch. This helps create the greenhouse effect and super-charge your soil heath.
3. Epsom Salt Boost
Give your plants a magnesium boost by adding Epsom salt to the soil. Dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and use it to water your plants once a month. Magnesium promotes chlorophyll production and increases nutrient absorption, leading to healthier, greener foliage and better overall plant growth. It can also provide a bloom-boost for your flowering and green shrubs. Since Perth’s soils tend to be a bit nutrient-deficient, this is a great way to give your plants a bit more TLC to thrive!
4. Banana Peel Power
Are bananas a regular snack in your household? Start saving your banana peels and bury them around the base of plants like roses, tomatoes, and peppers. Banana peels decompose slowly, releasing potassium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals into the soil. They also contain calcium, magnesium, and sulphur – so the peels are as good for your plants as the fruit is for you! This natural fertilizer encourages robust root growth, flowering, and fruit production. Just make sure they don’t touch the plant stems.
5. Vinegar Weed Killer
We all have a bottle of vinegar in the cupboard – but have you ever used it on weeds? Create a natural weed killer using your household vinegar instead of a harsh chemical option. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and add a few drops of dish soap. Spray the solution directly onto weeds, taking care to avoid any nearby plants. The acetic acid in vinegar effectively kills weeds by dehydrating them, making it an eco-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides. This is a great option for spot-weeding those annoying patches around your garden.
6. Coffee Grounds Weed Prevention
A lot of us are told to use coffee grounds in the garden for weed suppressants or a soil boost, but it can actually inhibit growth in plants – it’s all in how you use it. The safest way to use your coffee grounds is as an addition to your compost! Once broken down and the rich compost is added to your garden, the coffee inclusion helps the soil to increase water retention and inhibit weed growth. This way your garden gets all the benefits without the potential negative impacts.
7. Garlic Spray Insecticide
Not just for vampires, it also repels and kills pests! Make your own insecticidal spray using garlic, an effective natural repellent against aphids, caterpillars, and other garden pests. Blend several cloves of garlic with water in a blender, strain the mixture, and dilute it with more water. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle and apply it to infested plants, targeting both pests and their eggs for comprehensive control. Be aware that it is a potent herb so don’t use it too concentrated and make sure to spray later in the day so the sun on the sprayed plant’s leaves doesn’t burn them.
8. Neem Oil Protection
Use neem oil as a safe and organic insecticide and fungicide in your garden. Neem oil disrupts pests’ feeding and reproductive cycles, effectively controlling a wide range of garden pests like aphids, mites, and insects. It also suppresses fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and black spot, keeping your plants healthy and disease-free. There are a lot of easily available neem oil sprays in Perth from gardening shops, online specialists and, of course, Bunnings.
9. DIY Eggshell Fertilizer
Crush eggshells into small pieces and sprinkle them around the base of plants to provide a slow-release source of calcium. Calcium is essential for strong cell walls and helps prevent common disorders like blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers. Eggshells also deter soft-bodied pests like snails and slugs, acting as a natural barrier around vulnerable plants. You can also throw them in your compost for an added boost. Make sure to bury them if you have issues with pests/pets so they are less likely to attract them.
10. Soap Solution Pest Control
Create a gentle insecticidal soap spray to control soft-bodied pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Mix a tablespoon of mild liquid soap, such as Castile soap, with a quart of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray the solution directly onto affected plants, covering both the tops and undersides of leaves. The soap disrupts pests’ cell membranes, causing them to dehydrate and die off without harming beneficial insects or plants. As always, don’t spray when the sun is directly on the leaves, or they may burn.
11. Baking Soda Fungicide
Combat fungal diseases like powdery mildew and black spot with a simple baking soda spray. Many fungal sprays are toxic to animals (including bees!) and their humans, so many gardeners prefer to try this option first. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of liquid soap (not laundry detergent) in a gallon of water and spray it onto affected plants every 7-10 days. Baking soda raises the pH of the plant surface, creating an inhospitable environment for fungal spores to germinate and spread. And when do we spray this on the plants? That’s right, not during the day in full sun!
12. Milk Mildew Prevention
Prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases by spraying plants with diluted milk. Mix one part milk with two parts water and spray it onto susceptible plants every 7-14 days. The proteins and enzymes in milk have antifungal properties that suppress fungal growth and boost plants’ natural immune responses, keeping them healthy and disease resistant. Try to do this in the morning before the sun is up so the leaves don’t burn, and it gives the plant a chance to dry out during the day. And remove all affected leaves before treatment.
13. Vinegar Soil pH Adjustment
Adjust soil pH levels naturally using household vinegar. Test your soil pH with a soil testing kit and, if it’s too alkaline (high pH), apply white vinegar at a rate of one cup per gallon of water to lower it. Mix the vinegar solution into the soil around plants or use it as a soil drench, repeating as needed until you achieve the desired pH range for your plants. Take great care to avoid any vinegar going on the plant leaves and keep your quantities on the lower side to be safe as it is a very acidic and can be harmful in high concentrations.
14. Molasses Soil Amendment
Improve soil fertility and microbial activity by incorporating molasses into your gardening routine. Mix one tablespoon of unsulfured (check your labels first) molasses with a gallon of water and use it to water your plants every few weeks. Molasses provides sugars that feed beneficial soil microbes, enhancing nutrient cycling and improving soil structure for healthier, more productive plants. It’s also quite low cost and available from most supermarkets so easy to find. You can also use it in baking so it’s good for the garden and tasty for the gardener!
15. Seaweed Extract Plant Booster
We love this and recommend seafood fertilisers to our own gardening clients as a great natural, plant-friendly garden health boost. It boosts plant growth and resilience with it’s seaweed extract, a natural plant growth stimulant rich in micronutrients, amino acids, and plant hormones. Dilute seaweed extract according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it as a foliar spray or soil drench. Seaweed extract enhances nutrient uptake, increases drought tolerance, and strengthens plants’ natural defences against pests and diseases. It’s also safe for pets and humans – just be aware there may be a bit of an initial smell when applying!
16. Vinegar Ant Repellent
Deter ants from invading your garden by spraying vinegar around entry points and ant trails. Vinegar disrupts ants’ scent trails, making it harder for them to navigate and communicate with one another. Reapply vinegar as needed, especially after rain or watering, to maintain its effectiveness as a natural ant repellent. As usual with vinegar, take care to avoid plant leaves when applying and try to stick to spraying hard-scaped areas – especially if reapplication is needed. This way you won’t accidentally change your soil’s PH levels and make them too acidic.
17. Beer Slug Trap
Yes, this requires sacrificing a beer for the cause, but your slugs aren’t fancy, skip the craft beer aisle and go straight to whatever is on special! Set up beer traps to lure and drown slugs and snails in your garden. Bury shallow containers, such as yogurt cups or saucers, at soil level and fill them with beer. Slugs are attracted to the yeast in beer but drown upon entering the trap. Empty and refill the traps regularly to keep them effective in controlling slug populations without the need for chemical pesticides. Of course, you might want to avoid this one if you have pets. Because slugs are attracted to the yeast, if you really don’t want to share your beer, or don’t want to intoxicate your curious pets, you can try a mix of Vegemite and water instead.
18. Citrus Peel Pest Barrier
Create a natural pest barrier by placing citrus peels around plants vulnerable to pests like aphids and ants. Citrus peels contain compounds that repel pests and mask the scent of susceptible plants, making them less attractive to potential invaders. Replace citrus peels periodically to maintain their repellent properties and keep pests at bay in your garden. Importantly, make sure to use only the peels themselves – the sugar and juices of the fruit will have the opposite effect and attract pests!
19. Diatomaceous Earth Pest Control
Use food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) to control crawling insects like ants, cockroaches, and beetles in your garden. Sprinkle a thin layer of DE around the base of plants or on soil surfaces where pests are active. It’s a bit horrible to think about how it works, but DE isn’t actually eaten by the pests, rather it works by abrading pests’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. More than just a useful tip for the garden, it can also help with eradicating bed bugs, mites and fleas, so it’s an option that is worth having a look into!
Now that we have given loads of tips for garden health, here are some more useful gardening tips for helping them look great!
20. Vertical Gardening Beauties
For gardens large, and especially small, vertical gardening is a great addition! Chuck some veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes or beans on a trellis and watch them climb. It’s a perfect way to save space and add a bit of charm to your backyard with lush greenery growing from every angle. Not only does vertical gardening maximize space, but it also enhances air circulation around plants, minimizing disease risks and elevating the aesthetic appeal of your garden. From herbs, to veggies or your favourite flowering plants, take your garden to another ‘level’ by adding a vertical garden.
21. Bee-Friendly Blooms
We love bees – and the world needs more of them, so we all need to do our part! Bring in the buzz to your garden with native flowers like lavender, sunflowers or bee balm. These beauties are like a beacon for bees, pollinating away and adding a bit of life to your garden party by attracting pollinators and encouraging biodiversity. By providing a haven for bees and other beneficial insects, you’ll not only support local ecosystems but also boost the productivity of your garden through enhanced pollination. Not to mention, these blooms look beautiful!
22. DIY Rainwater Harvesting
Why fork out for extra water when you can snag it from the sky? Here in Perth, we need every bit of extra water we can get – especially for those of us with gardens to grow! Place a couple of rain barrels under your gutters, and you can give your plants an extra drink or two for free. Not only does rainwater harvesting conserve water and reduce utility costs, but it also provides plants with a nutrient-rich source of hydration, promoting robust growth and vitality.
23. Companion Planting
Get your green mates together for a bit of a mix-up! Stick some basil next to your tomatoes and watch them grow better together than apart – it’s like nature’s version of a perfect pair. By strategically pairing compatible plant species you’ll get a whole lot more out of your garden. For instance, interplant aromatic herbs like basil or mint among your vegetable crops to deter pests and enhance flavour profiles. By leveraging the natural repellent properties of certain plants, you can create a harmonious ecosystem in your garden that minimises pest pressure and maximises growth. It can also add a bit of interest and difference to your garden as well!
24. Creative Container Gardening
Who says you need a big backyard to have a top-notch garden? Whether it’s on your balcony or in your backyard, container gardening is a real game-changer! Repurpose items like old tires, wooden crates, bathtubs, wheelbarrows or even kitchen colanders as whimsical planters for herbs, flowers, or succulents. Container gardening not only adds visual interest to your garden but also enables mobility, allowing you to rearrange your plantings (just roll the wheelbarrow where you want it) with ease and adapt to changing sunlight conditions.
25. Heritage Heirlooms
Celebrate biodiversity and preserve culinary traditions by cultivating heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables. From vibrant heirloom tomatoes (which taste incredible) to ancient grains like quinoa, heirloom plants offer unparalleled flavour and genetic diversity. By championing heirloom gardening, you contribute to the preservation of rare and endangered plant varieties, ensuring a vibrant tapestry of flavours for future generations to enjoy.
26. Natural Pest Predators
Harness the power of nature’s pest control agents by attracting beneficial predators to your garden. Introduce insectaries of predatory insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps, which prey upon common garden pests like aphids, caterpillars, and mites. By fostering a balanced ecosystem of predator and prey, you can mitigate pest damage without resorting to harmful chemical interventions. Add an insect hotel or two to your garden to really help them feel at home – and your kids will love it too!
27. Soil Solarisation Technique
Combat soilborne pests, weeds, and diseases through the practice of soil solarisation. Give your soil a spring clean by throwing a bit of plastic over it during the summer months and let the sun work its magic. It’s a top-notch way to get rid of pests and diseases without lifting a finger. To employ this technique, cover moistened soil with clear plastic sheeting during the hottest months of the year, allowing the sun’s heat to penetrate and sterilise the soil. Soil solarisation effectively eliminates harmful pathogens and weed seeds, creating a clean slate for subsequent plantings and promoting optimal soil health.
28. Seed Saving Savvy
Cultivate self-sufficiency and preserve genetic diversity by mastering the art of seed saving. Selectively harvest seeds from the healthiest and most robust plants in your garden, ensuring genetic resilience and adaptability to local growing conditions. Label and store seeds in a cool, dry environment for future plantings, perpetuating a cycle of abundance and continuity in your garden ecosystem.
29. Herbal Remedy Elixirs
Harness the healing properties of herbs to create homemade botanical remedies for common garden ailments. Medicinal herbs like chamomile, calendula, or comfrey can treat plant diseases, enhance soil fertility, and promote overall garden wellness. For example, chamomile tea helps treat and prevent fungal diseases, calendula repels pests, and comfrey leaves add beneficial nutrients to the soil. There is so much more to discover about how plants can help and heal other plants – get researching!
30. Lasagna Gardening Technique
Layer up your garden beds like you’re making a giant veggie lasagna to build nutrient-rich soil beds without tilling or digging. Layer organic materials such as cardboard, straw, compost, and aged manure directly onto the ground, creating a lasagna-like structure that decomposes over time. As the layers break down, they enrich the soil with organic matter and foster a thriving microbial community, resulting in fertile, loamy soil perfect for planting.
Whew, and those are our top 30 useful gardening tips for our fellow Perth gardeners. We hope you found something to use and ways to make your garden happier and healthier in our blog!
Don’t forget, our gardening teams are out and about all week making Perth gardens tidy and beautiful, so if we can help with yours – give us a call on 08 6263 4645!
We all know that here in Perth, water is an especially precious resource.
As gardeners, and for all our clients who love their gardens, it’s essential for us to create and maintain beautiful gardens while being mindful of water conservation and doing what we can to make our gardens as waterwise as possible.
By using waterwise practices, we can significantly reduce water usage without compromising the health and care of our plants, gardens and lawns. In this blog, we’ll share some of our top tips for maintaining a waterwise garden in Perth, focusing on methods that help retain moisture, minimize evaporation, and maximize the efficiency of watering.
Because we all want our gardens, and Perth, to stay healthy, green and beautiful – it’s up to all of us to do our part!
There are of course, two aspects to a truly waterwise garden; one is creating a waterwise garden from the beginning, for a design, plant choices and reticulation system that will provide the best waterwise result. The second aspect, which is where we can help, is how to approach the ongoing maintenance and care of your existing garden in a waterwise way.
To design and create a waterwise garden from scratch, you’ll need to talk to a Perth landscaping company like our sister company at Perth Landscaping Experts to carry out your project!
Here are our care and maintenance tips for Waterwise Gardening
1. Choose Waterwise Plants
Even the most established garden will always need some replanting or additional planting along the way. When you replace or add plants to your garden, make sure that you are choosing plants that are native or adapted, as well as right for the location so they will require as little water as possible. These plants have evolved to thrive in hot and dry conditions, requiring less water once established. Incorporate or make the switch to drought-tolerant species such as kangaroo paw, lavender, grevillea, and rosemary in your garden or opt for low-water grass varieties. Ask your local nursery, check out the Water Corporation’s “Waterwise Plants for Perth” database, or talk to a local landscaping company with horticulturalists on their team for help with waterwise plant selection.
2. Improve Soil Health
While this is often overlooked, by investing in improving your soil’s health and structure, it can really enhance water absorption and retention and reduce runoff. Dig in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil structure, promote water infiltration, and increase moisture-holding capacity. You can also regularly apply a wetting agent, especially in hot dry Perth summers, to make sure your garden can use every drop of water it gets. Healthy soil allows roots to access water more efficiently, reducing the frequency and amount of watering needed to keep your garden happy.
3. Mulch Your Garden
One of the most effective and proven ways to reduce watering and increase the health of your plants and soils is the correct application of much – and maintaining it at the right level year-round. Mulch acts as a protective barrier, reducing evaporation and suppressing weed growth. It also helps regulate soil temperature and conserves moisture, allowing you to water less frequently. Maintain a mulch layer of around 3-4 inches for optimal effectiveness. We love pine bark mulch for its look, chunky style (waterwise mulches should have a coarse and irregular texture) and natural material – it’s a great choice for most plants and gardens here in Perth.
4. Smart Watering Techniques
If you have a garden in Perth, you know all about the need for a reticulation system and will be aware that it must be switched off over Winter and is restricted to 2 watering days the rest of the year. We fully support this initiative and don’t worry; it is still possible to keep your garden happy using waterwise gardening methods and smart watering techniques.
These include:
a. Watering Deeply: Instead of frequent shallow watering, water deeply during your watering times. This encourages deep root growth, making plants more resilient to drought and makes sure that it doesn’t just wet the top of the soil but get all the way to the roots.
b. Time Your Watering: Water your garden during the early morning before 6am or late evening (but we recommend the mornings) when temperatures are cooler – never when the sun is out. This minimises evaporation and ensures more efficient water absorption by plants.
c. Choose a Waterwise irrigation company: They will understand things like which sprinkler heads and watering durations will deliver the right amount of water to your plants in the watering times you have allocated, and know how to extend or optimise your system so the water is getting to all areas of your lawns and gardens that need them.
d. Utilize Rainwater: Install a rainwater harvesting system to collect and store rainwater for later use in the garden. Use it for watering during drier periods or for specific plants that require extra attention.
e. Know Your Plants. If you have an established native garden, you may not need to water it much anymore, if at all. So, if your reticulation system is currently in ‘set and forget’ mode, you might want to take another look at your garden and see how much water your plants in their current state of growth actually need.
f. Watch your system watering. If your system is running at 6am, you might not have seen it in a while, so things like leaks, broken sprinklers that don’t pop up anymore or areas where more water might be going on your paths or driveways than your gardens!
5. Consider – Do You Really Need a Lawn?
We love a green vibrant lawn as much as anyone – but we also love making smart and waterwise garden choices. If you have a large verge area or grassed backyard, but don’t have a dog or you and your family just never use the area, maybe it’s time to consider replacing part or all of the grassy area with water-efficient alternatives like native ground covers or mulch. Turning your verge into a lush, native garden will reduce your water use dramatically, reduce the need for lawn mowing, and make it an incredibly attractive entrance to your property!
Another option is to replant lawn areas that don’t get much sun, such as around the base of a tree, with alternatives like native ground covers or mulch. Often lawn struggles to grow in these areas anyway so this won’t just reduce your maintenance requirements and water use but can also improve the entire look of the area as it will stay green where lawn would look turn brown or unhealthy.
At the end of the day, we all love a lawn, so for the spaces in your landscape you really must have one, go for a water-efficient species such as Saltene, Zoysia or one of the soft leafed Buffalos.
6. Carry Out Regular Garden Maintenance
Maintaining a waterwise garden involves regular care and attention. Having a regular gardening service helps with things like:
Pruning and trimming plants to make sure the sun, rain and reticulation system can get to all areas of your gardens and lawns
Well-pruned plants are also more efficient in their water utilisation than overgrown ones
Control weed growth so that every drop of water and nutrients are going to your plants, not to them! This also stops the weeds from blocking your sprinkler heads which can impact their area coverage
Regular mulch top-ups to maintain their water retention and fill in any gaps that occur
Prompt spotting of any garden health issues like dry or dead spots, reticulation leaks or water wastage
Did you know we are a waterwise garden company?
We are certified with the Water Corporation Waterwise Program, and so are our sister companies, so for anything garden maintenance, reticulation or landscaping, we can help or point you in the right direction!
Ready to create and maintain a waterwise garden?
We hope that by knowing and implementing these tips, you can enjoy a beautiful and thriving garden while significantly reducing water usage. By choosing the right plants, improving soil health, mulching effectively, utilising smart watering techniques, and practicing regular garden maintenance, you can contribute to conserving our valuable water resources while enjoying the beauty of your garden.
For help with regular garden maintenance, just get in touch with us on 08 6263 4645 and our lovely team will be happy to help your garden thrive!
A lush green lawn is a sight to behold – and the envy of every neighbour. However, it takes more than just watering and mowing to achieve that perfect green lawn. With the right care and attention, it is possible to transform even the most lacklustre lawn into a verdant oasis. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with 10 simple steps to get a greener lawn.
Step 1: Know Your Lawn
Before you start any lawn care routine, it’s essential to understand your lawn grass type. Different types of grass require different types of care. In Perth, the most common grass types are Couch, Buffalo, and Kikuyu. Understanding your lawn type will help you determine the best watering and fertilising schedule.
Step 2: Water Your Lawn Correctly
In Perth, watering your lawn is crucial. During the hot summer months, it’s important to give your lawn enough water to prevent it from drying out. However, it’s equally important not to overwater. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. As a rule of thumb, water your lawn deeply once or twice a week rather than lightly every day. Make sure to check with your local reticulation company to be sure your gardens and lawns are getting the water coverage and amount they need!
Step 3: Fertilise Your Lawn
Fertilising your lawn is essential to ensure it remains healthy and green. It’s best to fertilise your lawn in the spring and summer months, when the grass is actively growing. Choose a fertiliser that is suitable for your lawn type and avoid using too much fertiliser as it can burn your lawn.
Step 4: Mow Your Lawn Regularly
Here are some lawn mowing tips for a healthy lawn. Mowing your lawn is necessary to keep it looking neat and tidy. However, it’s important not to cut your lawn too short as this can cause stress to the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. In Perth, it’s recommended to keep your lawn between 2.5 to 4 cm in height.
Step 5: Aerate Your Lawn
Aerating your lawn is an essential step in maintaining a healthy lawn. Aerating helps to improve water and nutrient uptake, reduces soil compaction, and promotes deeper root growth. In Perth, it’s recommended to aerate your lawn in autumn or spring.
Step 6: Control Weeds
Weeds can quickly take over your lawn and cause it to look unsightly. It’s important to remove weeds regularly and use a selective herbicide to prevent them from coming back. Be careful when choosing a herbicide as some can damage your lawn. It’s important to know the best methods for weeding lawns to keep them healthy and vibrant.
Step 7: Repair Bald Patches
Bald patches in your lawn can be caused by a variety of factors, including pests, disease, and poor soil conditions. It’s important to address the underlying issue before repairing the patch. Once you’ve identified the problem, reseed the area with a grass seed suitable for your lawn type.
Step 8: Provide Shade
In Perth, the hot sun can quickly dry out your lawn, causing it to turn brown. Providing shade to your lawn can help prevent it from drying out. Plant trees or install a shade sail to provide your lawn with the necessary shade. A good tip is to plant ground cover instead of lawn in areas which get zero sunlight, like at the base of trees, rather than trying to keep a lawn alive without sunlight amid roots and debris.
Step 9: Remove Lawn Clippings
Leaving lawn clippings on your lawn can prevent sunlight and air from reaching the grass, causing it to turn yellow. It’s important to remove lawn clippings regularly and dispose of them correctly.
Step 10: Hire The Experts
Achieving a green lawn takes time and effort. By following these 10 simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to a lush, green lawn.
If you’re struggling to get your lawn looking green and lush, it’s worth seeking professional help. Our garden and lawn care experts in Perth can help you keep your lawns and gardens looking healthy and lush with our garden maintenance services in Perth.
Contact us on 08 6263 4645 today to book in a service – your lawn and garden will thank you for it!
Here are our answers to some frequently asked questions about getting a greener lawn in Perth:
Q: What type of fertiliser should I use for my lawn in Perth?
A: The type of fertiliser you use will depend on your lawn type. In general, a slow-release fertiliser with a balanced NPK ratio is suitable for most lawns in Perth. It’s best to fertilise your lawn in the spring and summer months when the grass is actively growing.
Q: Can I mow my lawn when it’s wet?
A: It’s not recommended to mow your lawn when it’s wet. Wet grass can clog up your lawn mower and make it harder to cut your lawn evenly. It’s best to wait until your lawn is dry before mowing.
Q: How can I tell if my lawn needs aeration?
A: If your lawn is looking thin or patchy, it may need aerating. You can also perform a soil compaction test by pushing a garden fork into the ground. If the fork doesn’t go in easily, it’s likely that your soil is compacted and in need of aeration.
Q: How do I repair bald patches in my lawn?
A: Bald patches in your lawn can be caused by a variety of factors, including pests, disease, and poor soil conditions. Once you’ve identified the problem, reseed the area with a grass seed suitable for your lawn type. Keep the area moist until the grass seed has germinated and established.
Q: How can I prevent weeds from growing in my lawn?
A: Regular mowing and fertilising can help prevent weeds from growing in your lawn. However, it’s also important to remove weeds regularly and use a selective herbicide to prevent them from coming back.
Q: How can I provide shade for my lawn?
A: Planting trees or installing a shade sail can provide your lawn with the necessary shade. However, it’s important not to plant trees too close to your lawn as their roots can compete with your grass for water and nutrients.
Q: Do I need professional help to get a greener lawn?
A: While it’s possible to achieve a green lawn on your own, seeking professional help can save you time and effort. Lawn care experts in Perth can provide you with a personalised lawn care plan and recommend the best products for your lawn type. They can also help diagnose and treat any issues with your lawn.
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!
At Perth Gardening, we know the right techniques and natural treatments required to promote healthy garden growth – without relying on toxic chemicals and harmful solutions. You can still encourage growth and deter pests the natural way – and with regular maintenance, you can have a healthy organic garden that looks great while keeping your family and pets safe and healthy.
As many of us are becoming increasingly aware of the world’s ecological footprint, the demand for organic gardening is on the rise. Many gardening product manufacturers are thinking twice about what they offer as well since their market is shifting to more eco-friendly options.
After all, using organic and natural techniques for fertilising, weeding and treating your garden not only protects the Earth, but protects your family as well.
The more we learn about the negative effects of chemical pesticides and herbicides and synthetic fertilisers, the more we want to stay away from them.
That is why we try provide earth-friendly Gardening services as much as possible, from natural lawn installation to chemical-free weed control, the use of electric tools and waterwise, native planting. If you would like a gardening service that is eco-friendly from a company that is passionate about looking after our planet – we would love to help you!
From organic fertilisers to a range of organic gardening techniques, here are our tips for organic gardening.
Organic Weed Control
Our Tips for Organic Gardening
1. Non-chemical options for weed control
We try to avoid using chemical weed control options, most of those products are bad for the environment and very toxic for the person applying them. They also can pollute our water supply by running off into waterways and being absorbed into the soil. We believe in using preventive methods (mulching and regular garden care) that preserve the health of your garden, our waterways and the soil. In our packages, our gardeners will remove the weeds by hand to get the entire root, along with tools when needed – such as whippersnappers to cut them down and reduce growth by limiting their access to sunlight.
Mulching
Mulching is one of the top methods for natural weed control – and as an added bonus, it also helps to improve the quality and health of the soil itself, along with reducing water evaporation so it’s great for looking after our water resources (and your water bill!) as well. Learn more about the best mulch for gardens here in our blog.
Choose a good quality mulch like Pine Bark and apply it in a good thick layer, a depth of between 50-100mm, for best results. A great thickness to aim for is 75mm to really restrict weed growth. This also means that any weeds which do grow through will be easier to pull out.
Regular Weeding
Try to stay on top of any weeds that do grow so they never get a chance to go to seed! Once they do that, you are fighting a losing battle. Let’s face it, unless you pave your entire backyard, it is a living space, so there will be growth and there will be weeds. Learn the types of weeds as well so you know where to spend your energy, for example, which are perennial (regrow season after season) and which are annual (go from seed to seed in one growing season/one year).
Planting – create competition!
Weeds need all the same nutrients that plants do, so if you have empty spaces where they are thriving – try planting something there instead! Add in groundcover or native plants so it is still low-maintenance but also looks great and takes the nutrients, water and sunlight that your weeds need. Make sure to plant them thickly so there is limited space for weeds to take over.
2. Using ‘natural’ options for fertiliser
First, why do we use fertiliser? It’s to give our plants extra nutrients. One of the biggest reasons we have to use fertilisers is that our soil itself is quite depleted and of poor quality – especially here in Perth it’s sandy soils. So the most ‘natural’ fertiliser should actually start with improving the quality of the soil. There will always be things to add for an extra boost, but if the soil is rich and healthy, your plants will be too.
Improving your soil quality
There are many ways to improve your soil and it takes work and time – but it is always worth it! Options like blood and bone or quality organic manures are a great place to start, along with adding materials that break down over time like lupin mulch. A blend of these, mixed into your soil, with a layer of clean, natural cardboard, topped with a thick layer of quality mulch, like pine bark, creates a layered, ‘green house’ effect. Give it a good soak and let it slowly work its magic, breaking down, trapping in warmth and crating its own micro-climate – eventually turning into a rich, loamy soil your plants will love!
Best natural liquid fertilisers
For a quick boost while your soil improvers work their magic, liquid fertilisers are the best way to go. Be cautious even when using natural fertiliser as often the concentration in nutrients are quite high and may leach into the waterways and pollute the soils. Our gardeners can advise on what is the best option for your garden, lawn and plants along with applying it at the right times in the right quantities for you.
Seaweed or Kelp liquid fertilisers are amazing for both plants and soil. They actually stimulate the soil itself so are the perfect complement to your soil improvement efforts.
3. Regular Garden Maintenance
One of the best ways to keep your garden healthy naturally is regular maintenance. Why?
Staying on top of your weeds so they don’t get a chance to seed, means that you don’t have to eventually resort to chemical weed killer as the only option to get on top of things again.
Making sure that your hedges and shrubs are trimmed and pruned regularly to promote healthy growth means you don’t have to resort to heavy doses of fertilisers to try and bring them back to life.
Regularly improving your soil by adding good quality fertiliers to build them up, regularly topping up your mulch – all these things are part of creating a healthy, resilient garden that looks beautiful… naturally.
If you would like to look after your garden in a more natural, organic way, get in touch with us to book in a service and our gardeners can provide a regular maintenance plan, advise on soil improvement, mulching and anything else they recommend to make your garden healthy and happy as organically as possible.
For inexperienced gardeners, choosing mulch can feel intimidating.
We’re here to help with the low-down on the best mulch for gardens!
Don’t have much time? Watch our video summary!
Best Mulch for Gardens
Mulch may be the magic silver bullet that takes your garden to the next level! There are so many benefits to mulching in your garden. It can:
retain moisture, reduce watering
protect plants during heatwaves
counteract dry, sandy soil
improve soil structure/nutrients
support seedlings
reduce soil erosion
attract friendly garden guests like bees, ladybirds and spiders for pest control/pollination
slow down weed growth creating a protective layer
recycle food/garden waste!
So, now you know why mulch is important! Now let’s choose the best mulch for you!
Wood Chip Mulch
Made from tree cuttings, wood chip mulch is a great “all-purpose” go-to.
Many consider it the best mulch for shrubs and trees, particularly fruiting ones. It looks good, is easy to lay, and is economical.
Do wood chips have a downside?
Some gardeners worry about “nitrogen drawn-down” — (wood chip mulch leaching nitrogen from the soil).
This fear is mostly based on urban myth — in fact, wood chip mulch increases soil nutrients. Minor nitrogen draw-down doesn’t affect deeply-rooted plants like fruit trees. However, avoid wood chip mulch for shallow-rooted plants like veggies.
Woodchip mulch safety tips
Woodchip mulch can be a fire hazard in some circumstances, especially given Perth’s high temperatures. Don’t layer it too thick — 2-10cm is ideal.
Store mulch in a cool, shady place, and check regularly to ensure it isn’t overheating. Avoid mulching thickly around tree trunks — in bushfire season this can be hazardous.
Shredded Pine Bark Mulch
This is our favourite – we think this is the best mulch!
Shredded bark mulch helps block weed shoots from sunlight, helps retain moisture, and enriches soil nutrients. Pine bark is also great for Perth gardens, it’s rusty red colour looks great, while it’s chunky cut allows water to get through to the roots, and it even helps improve the quality of the soil itself.
Bark nuggets last longer than wood chips, but their slow decomposition may attract carpenter ants so keep on top of pest control!
Tips for using shredded bark mulch
When spreading shredded bark, keep it away from tree trunks to avoid rot and rodent damage. Watch for extreme weather — strong winds, rain or flooding may mean re-laying mulch.
Which Mulch should you avoid? Black Mulch never gets our vote as the best mulch – some people choose it because they like the look, and it does create a great contrast, but it is very fibrous, which means it actually absorbs water, reducing the amount that will actually penetrate and get through to your plants. It also does very little to help improve the soil, and doesn’t last as long as Pine Bark.
Recycled Mulch
Recycled mulches are made from various materials, including recycled rubber or timber. They can lower your garden’s carbon footprint, so may be the best mulch for eco-conscious gardeners.
Pallet/timber mulch is long-lasting, retainsmoisture, and is usually eco-friendly. However, check how contamination is managed — it may be tainted by chemicals or toxins.
Rubber mulch repels pests, insects and weeds, and provides a ‘soft fall’ in play areas. It is long-lasting, won’t decompose and reduces mould/fungal growth.
Safety tip: some rubber mulch releases chemicals in hot weather. Look for a non-toxic brand.
Hay Mulch
Hay mulch is a well-kept secret we’re letting you in on…
Hay is grass cut while still green — it contains lots of moisture.
Many believe it’s the best mulch for flower and veggie gardens — it blocks weeds, and delivers nutrients to the soil as it composts.
This is especially good for seedlings.
How to use hay as mulch
Buy quality hay to minimise weeds. Ideally, spread hay approximately 20cm deep.
Lucerne hay
Lucerne hay is probably the best mulch for gardens with roses, fruit trees and vegetables. It provides extra nitrogen when decomposing.
Straw Mulch
Straw mulch is lighter than hay, so weeds come through more easily, but takes longer to decompose and looks better than hay.
Try combininghay and straw. Start with a deep layer of hay to retain moisture and provide nutrients. Top with a light layer of straw.
Leaf Mulch and Compost
Leaves can be a fantastic addition to other mulch.
You can shred dry leaves with your lawnmower and spread them on top of gardens, add leaves to compost or dig them into soil.
Grass Cuttings
Using grass cuttings as mulch is simple — after mowing, spread clippings across garden beds, then wait!
Grass mulch cools the root zone, conserves moisture, and restores nutrients, especially nitrogen.
Grass clippings can also be spread on your lawn to keep it healthy.
Rock and Gravel Mulch
We don’t normally think of rocks or gravel as mulch — but they can be!
Rocks and gravel:
prevent excess drainage and erosion
block weeds
create a classy look
last (almost) forever.
They:
cost less than organic mulches and
unlike organic mulch, will not attract insect pests.
Note: rock/gravel mulch will not enrich soil, is difficult to remove once installed, and harder to put new plants in.
How to use rock and gravel mulch
Rocks and gravel suit decorative formal gardens as they don’t decompose. They are often used where plants are permanently established.
Leave roughly a 5cm gap around the base of plants/trees.
To combine with other mulch, lay organic mulch first, then top with rocks!
BONUS MULCH TIPS:
Weed Mat
Weedmat isn’t technically mulch, but helps protect your garden from weeds and to retain moisture.
Ideal for fruit and veggie gardens, it can protect crops on vines like melons and pumpkins from decay.
For best results, place the weed mat between soil and mulch.
Compost
Compost is also important, but unlike mulch is dug into the soil to provide nutrients and hydration.
Compost can be made from:
fruit/vegetable scraps
coffee grounds
eggshells
grass/plant clippings
leaves
chipped wood/bark
shredded paper
straw
clean sawdust.
Ingredients are put in a compost tumbler, garbage bag or heap, to decompose. Water, ‘compost starter’ and regular turning all help the process.
The best compost is around three parts “dry”, and one part “wet”. If it’s too dry, add water, or wet ingredients like fresh grass. If too wet, add dry materials like newspaper or straw.
Health & Safety Tips When Handling Mulch or Compost
Wear a mask and gloves when handling organic/recycled mulch/potting mix, particularly for those with chronic health conditions. They can contain Legionella bacteria, fungal spores or toxins that may be dangerous if they are disturbed and become airborne.
Other safety precautions include storing potting mix and mulch where it’s cool, and washing hands thoroughly after use. To avoid inhaling particles, open bags carefully and keep mulch/compost damp.
