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How to improve sandy soil

mich1972
Home Improvement Guru

How to improve sandy soil

Good morning Workshop Community, this isn’t a project but a reminder, especially for our Perth Gardeners - beginners and experienced. Check and see if your garden soil is really sandy and have a look if it needs to be improved. No doubt it probably will do. 
I have just done our No Dig Garden again as we are into a hot summer season and our soil had become very dry and repelling water which then affects growth and health. 

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Steps

Step 1

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 Look at this grey , dry lifeless sand. 

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 So bad that the water pools on the top and difficult to absorb down to the root system of plants in the garden. 

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Step 2

What I like to do regularly and yes it does help to continue this process is to add a soil wetting agent. I like to use the Richgro Ezi Wet Granules, I also use the liquid solution as needed. Granules or liquid are excellent. 
Follow the application instructions on the packet. 

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 I added it to the sand so you can see it and then I used my garden hoe to mix it into the sand. 

Step 3

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 I then like to add organic matter to the sand, I always use sheep manure and again use my garden hoe to mix it in well. 

Step 4

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 I always add Rock Minerals as the sandy soil is depleted of nutrients. 

Step 5

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 I always use Triple C to mulch as it is a good moisture retainer but also it breaks down into a beautiful feeding compost. The earthworms and soil microbes will benefit from this. 

Step 6

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 When I add mulch I always make a well around the plants and also make sure it’s not touching the plants trunk. It is a good thick layer. This helps when watering to keep it moist in summer. 

i hope this helps you if you have sandy soil in your garden. I will then continue layering and topping it up with sheep manure and triple C , no digging at all, just layering. Happy Gardening 🧑‍🌾 🌿🪴

JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How to improve sandy soil

Hi @mich1972,

 

Sandy soil can be a tough medium to work with, so adding a soil wetter and plenty of nutrients can make a huge difference to the structure of your soil.

 

Hopefully, plenty of earthworms, beneficial insects and soil microbes take up residence over the summer and get to work on your newly refreshed soil.

 

Thanks for sharing this fantastic guide. 

 

Jacob

 

mich1972
Home Improvement Guru

Re: How to improve sandy soil

Thank you Jacob. I’m going through all of our garden, the next section I will be working on I will be improving with Baileys Clay and Compost and I will share that with everyone. 

I’ll update the No Dig Garden soil to show how it helps to improve the sand and encourage earthworm activity 🙂🌿

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