Bog Standards

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday April 22, 2004

John Stowar

While gardeners who are blessed with rich, deep, well-drained loam (reminiscent of chocolate cake) are to be envied, we should all take heart in the fact that every site is suitable for an array of plants. It is simply a matter of working with your site and using those plants suited to the conditions. How far you wish to extend this range of plants will determine the degree of soil modification.

First, look at the drainage. More plants are lost through inadequate drainage than any other factor but even waterlogged soils can support a wide range of species. If ``bog" plants are not your thing and you are faced with heavy clay, the solution may be as simple as watering in and incorporating gypsum, sold as ``claybreaker", or a similar product.

Alternatively, construct raised beds and improve the drainage by first removing the topsoil, then spreading free-draining material, such as ripped and crushed sandstone, to a depth of 300-500mm. Over this, spread your topsoil, after mixing in crushed sandstone or organic compost, to improve porosity roughly 50-50 with your soil. A covering of at least 300mm is needed to support most plants. Very shallow soils with a rock base especially common in Sydney's Hawkesbury region can be improved in the same way.

Remember, buying ``topsoil" is fraught with problems. You could be introducing undesirable clay, weed seeds or disease pathogens, especially when the material has not been properly composted.

If you have questions about property, decorating, renovating, gardening or design, contact our expert panel at Your Domain, GPO Box 506, Sydney 2001 or at yourdomain@smh.com.au

© 2004 Sydney Morning Herald

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