Episode: VIC Waterwise Special ? Our Changing Climate
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane

Soil types vary considerably across Melbourne and Victoria. From the deep friable red loamy soils found in the rolling country between Silvan and Monbulk to the deep, nutrient poor sands in areas from Black Rock to Brighton, and along the coast of Port Phillip Bay.

Then there are those heavy clays with just thin loamy topsoil which occur extensively in the north-west of Melbourne. Plus everything in between.

When it comes to creating a successful, water wise garden one of best places to start is at ground level. The type of soil that you have got can have an enormous influence on the plants you can grow and your approach to gardening and conserving water.

When you get into sandy areas they present a completely difference challenge when it comes to establishing a water efficient garden. For a start the water drains away from the plant roots and because of its silicate structure it absorbs sunrays faster. This means the soil heats up quicker in summer, drying it out.

It is important with these types of soil beds to think of them differently. It doesn?t matter if you live in Sorrento or Brighton, the sand will be fine and if you are close to the coast, most likely very alkaline. This affects your ability to grow species such as gardenia?s and camellias well, without dramatically improving the soil.

One of the most important aspects of setting up a new sandy soil based garden is capturing run off from pathways and running it back into garden beds. One fundamental change to the way you would normally garden is that garden beds should be developed to be basins that water runs into. Mounding runs water away from the beds but is ideal in heavy soils.

Another critical factor with sandy soils is enriching the soil with organic matter. Sand is usually depleted of organic matter and good humus or potting mix like Hortico Premium Blend will hold water and nutrients longer around the plants root system. This is critical, particularly if you are growing annual flowers or woody plant species.

It is also vital you add Yates Waterwise Storage Crystals to the base of the planting hole when putting new plants in. These clever polymers are highly absorbent and they suck up every bit of moisture and as the surface of the soil dries they release it through the base of the granule, direct to the plants roots. This stops water leaching below the plants roots and reduces watering requirements by many days, sometimes weeks.

Mulching is critical in any garden but if you don?t do it in sandy soils you are going to struggle and probably have to work harder. Add a layer of organic mulch 100mm thick, it sounds a lot but if you do this you will reduce evaporation by 60% and smother weeds outs, reducing work.

One problem many people are experiencing is dry pockets in the soil. This is most common in sandy soils. They are caused by underground fungi that spread mycelium through the soil, which is waxy and repels water. Soil in the immediate area around the fungi adopts the same properties and water will sit and pool and not flow evenly through the soil. Where ever these pockets occur you have to treat them.

This is where wetting agents are so important. They wash the waxy coating away allowing water to penetrate the soil evenly. This is important because plant roots growing through these dry pockets will wither and dry. You will look at the affected plant and swear it is dry. This makes you water more but because the water is not making it to the stressed roots having no effect meaning you waste water.

Lastly, think about your plant selection. Look for plants that originate from sandy locations in the world.

Featured Products

Waterwise Concentrate Soil Wetter

• For use on garden beds and potted plants.
• Contains a combination of fast acting wetting agents and soil conditioners that improve moisture penetration or water repellent soils and aid soil structure.
• Includes trace elements for added vitality and healthier plants.
• Includes seaweed with is a natural plant growth promoter.
• Easy to use.

Water Saving Mulch

• Improves soil quality, organic based water retainer, encourages beneficial soil micro-organisms and earthworms, contains Dynamic Lifter plant food for added plant nutrition.
• Mulch can reduce evaporation by up to 75%.
• Improves plant survival and reduces water usage.

Waterwise Water Storage Crystals

• When added to potting mix or garden soil, the crystals absorb up to 500 times their own weight in water.
• The water is released over a period of time as the plants require it.
• Reduce water usage and increase the times between watering.
• Effective for up to five years and biodegrade harmlessly.
• Prevents the soil from drying out, improves soil aeration and drainage.
• Potassium based.

Hortico Potting Mix Premium Blend

• Rich organic based potting mix suitable for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants.
• This product has been certified by Australian Standards as a Premium mix ( Red Tick)
• It has superior nutrient levels, water holding capacity and wettability.
• It is an ideal mix for tubs, hanging baskets and other potted plants
• Contains controlled release fertiliser to feed your plants for up to nine months
• Added wetting agent allows quick and thorough water absorption down to the roots

Hortico Termite resistant Mulch

• Great fragrance
• Saves water by retaining moisture
• Reduces Weeds by providing cover to slow re - growth