How to improve dry hard soil?

SteveC

Hi all,

I am looking to improve my garden ben with soil improver as over time it has become dry and crumbly and has clay in some areas.

What is the best quality soil improver available at Bunnings? Ignore the stump, that is gone, and the hibiscus is a lot healthier than shown in this old photo.

Regards,

Steve

MitchellMc

Hi @SteveC,

The key to improving dry, hard soil is to open it up and mix new material through it, rather than just laying something on top. If you only top-dress, it won’t really change what’s happening below the surface where the roots need it.

Start by breaking up the existing soil. A garden fork works well; push it in as deep as you can and rock it back and forth to loosen and fracture the ground. Repeat this across the whole area, the more thoroughly you do it, the better the result. If that’s too physically demanding, tools like the https://www.bunnings.com.au/cyclone-garden-tiller_p0101387 or the https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-cordless-garden-cultivator-tool-only_p0344130 can make the job much easier.

Once the soil is loosened, work in a good amount of organic matter. Products like https://www.bunnings.com.au/osmocote-25l-scotts-compost-premium-soil-improver_p2962102 or https://www.bunnings.com.au/richgro-25l-black-marvel-garden-compost_p0289036 are both solid options. Aim for at least one bag per square metre, two is even better, and mix it through the loosened soil rather than leaving it on top.

Since you’ve mentioned some clay content, adding gypsum can really help improve structure over time. Something like https://www.bunnings.com.au/richgro-15kg-natural-gypsum-clay-breaker_p3010181 will assist in breaking up the clay and improving drainage.

Finally, it’s worth adding nutrients back into the bed as well. A product like https://www.bunnings.com.au/yates-17-5kg-dynamic-lifter-organic-plant-fertiliser-and-soil-improver_p2960278 spread over the area and lightly worked in will help get the soil biology active again. I'd use the whole bag over this area.

Do all that together, loosening, mixing in organic matter, and improving the structure, and you’ll see a big difference in how the soil holds moisture and supports plant growth.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell