Improving soil to suit both natives and vegies

RosieW

I live in Sth East of Melb with 2 totally different types of seriously terrible water-repellent soil! 2/3 is dense wet heavy black clay, 1/3 is sandy soil.

I hope to apply the same solution to both soils by digging in lots of pea straw, compost and cow manure to the garden beds. 

Although I know this would be ok for vegies, is it suitable for Aust natives? I heard that Aust Natives don't like fertiliser.

Anything I should be careful of here?

Branchy249

Hi Rosie,

You are certainly on the right way to increasing your soil quality by adding lots of organic matter (compost, pea straw and cow manure). To assist with the breakdown of clay you can also apply some gypsum. 

Australian Natives do like fertiliser and need to be fertilised like any other plants - but they like specific fertiliser that contains a lower level of Phosphorous. 

Generally ensure that your compost and manure is well composted and broken down. Some manures are quite strong at the start and can burn your plants but if well composted and broken down you should be ok.

Hope this helps!