What Is the Ideal Soil for Gardening All Year Around?

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Knowing your soil is an important part of getting your garden right, from the word go. There are many different types of soil, each with their own qualities and attributes that make them perfect for some things but not others. Depending on where you live, and the climate that you experience during the changing seasons, the various soils can have a different affect on how plants grow. Some soils are smaller in particle size, which helps them to hold water, while others are larger and the water drains straight through. The best soil to use for gardening all around is a combination of soils.

Different Soil Types

Sandy soil drains rapidly because of its large particles so it cannot hold water very well, which means that your young seedlings would not get enough water. Silty soil holds water very well, which would be great for your plants but it does not drain well so using this for gardening could cause problems with too much moisture.

Clay soil drains well and is rich in plant food but it becomes too dry during the warmer months of the year. Peaty soil has high water content and is rich in organic matter, but again, it can become too dry during the warmer weather. Saline soil has a high salt content which can stop the plants from being able to take in water, and can cause leaf burn, especially on the younger leaves.

The Winner Is…

Loam soil is the ideal soil for gardening all year around because of its high nutrient content and its ability to drain easily. Gardeners love this soil because it has just the right combinations of elements to be perfect for growing plants. Loam soil is made up of a balance of silty soil, sandy soil and clay soil. It is high in calcium and pH, and holds water but also drains well.

Loam soil is of a darker colour and has a crumbly consistency. If you don’t have loam soil in your garden, you can condition the soil that you do have by adding nutrients, layering compost over the top or spraying the plants’ leaves with a compost spray. For more information about the ideal soil for your garden talk to us at Bacchus Marsh and Redgum Garden Centre next time you stop by.

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Tips To Get Your Plants To Grow Fast

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There are few things in life that are as rewarding as planting a garden, watching it grow and enjoying the fruits of your labour. The joy of watching something that you have planted come to life right before your eyes is a joyous experience. As each new shoot opens itself to the morning sun and gradually stretches and grows, you will be able to watch its progress and delight in its journey. Like any new birth, there are many different ways of going about the process, but a few helpful tips can assist you in getting the most out of your plants.

Prepare the Ground

In pretty much anything that you undertake, there usually always needs to be the foundational preparations that create the space for the evolution of new growth. You would not place a newborn baby into a dirty cot, with harsh scratchy blankets, and the same goes with newborn plants. If the ground is dull or lifeless, or has had chemicals used around it previously, it will not produce the best yield that it can. So the first step to growing healthy, fast growing plants is to prepare the ground.

Fertilise the Soil

One way to prepare the ground is to have a look at the soil and ascertaining what it might need, to prepare it for growing plants. If the soil is too dry or too wet, it will not be a good place for the plants to flourish in. Prepare the ground by aerating the soil regularly for a few days and adding some organic matter into the soil. This could be done by mixing in vegetable scraps, mushroom or any other compost, or buying specific fertilisers such as dynamic lifter. Keep turning the ground over and water it regularly until it starts to show signs of life. Once the soil is looking healthy, it will be ready for you to plant.

Grow Your Own Seedlings

Another way of helping your plants to grow fast is to grow your own seedlings. Placing seeds directly into the soil can take a lot longer than if you germinate them inside the house, or in a green area where conditions are monitored closely. Plants that have had this start in life will be strong when they meet the harsh elements of being outside and they will have more chance of flourishing.
For more tips on how to get your plants growing fast or to pick up some healthy seedlings to get your garden started, come and see us at the Bacchus Marsh and Redgum Garden Centre.

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Plants That Thrive In Australia’s Hot Sizzling Sun

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There is no doubt that if you are living in Australia you are living in the lucky country. We are so blessed with such wonderful weather that it can be hard to pick your favourite season. For some, summer can be the toughest to endure due to the sizzling heat us tough Aussies are required to withstand. At least we can escape indoors, shaded areas or even the swimming pool.

Not so for our gardens.

There are plenty of plants that thrive in these harsh conditions. With a little love and the addition of protective layers of mulch or rock, you will have your garden singing and offering up wonderful growth.

So what plants best suit this climate and what can you do for your garden to help it cope with soaring temperatures?

Australian Natives

Any gardening centre in Australia worth a pinch will tell you that you can’t go past Australian Natives and Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Garden Centre is no different.

It’s just common sense that if you plant out offerings from your own environment you will enjoy the success and beautiful garden you desire. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t some great plants that have adapted well to our environment.

For a hardy, flourishing garden you can’t go past :

• The delightful and showy Kangaroo Paw. This stunning plant is available in an array of colours.
• Cordylines are also available in a range of colours, the strappy leaves of this plant offer colour and feature well in any Australian garden.
• Gazanias are also a firm favourite. This native from Southern Africa thrives in our conditions. They flower just about all year round and offer great ground cover to taller plantings.

If you are looking for a vine to grow over an arbour or patio to offer some shade, these plants all work very well:

• Lilac Vine is a delightful draping creeper with showy purple flowers.
• Grapes! Why not grow a vine that will also offer a sweet treat? The bonus to this vine is that is dies back during the winter months when you may prefer to let the sun shine in.
• Bougainvillea is also very popular in our gardens due to its hardiness and beautiful flowers.

If its shrubs and trees you are after then we suggest:

• Callistemon viminalis from the bottle brush family has beautiful 15-25mm red stamens that will appear all year round that attract the birds.
• The hardy Banksia is also a must for any Australian garden for its bird attracting qualities and easy cultivation.

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The Environment and You

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We might be preaching to the converted, but we really cannot stress enough that everything we do should involve consideration of our environment.

Now, ‘environment’ can be taken in several ways, two of which are significant.

Environment – The Big Picture

When you consider the big picture in relation to the environment you may think of large factories that are spewing out smog and rubbish into the air, emptying into our seas or just leaving debris in a landfill.

You would be surprised to know that you, the little guy, may be funding some of this noxious industry and you can make a difference.

How would you like to be part of a movement of individuals who make a difference? You don’t have to go and stand on a picket line or donate huge amounts of money. You just need to make good buying choices.

Environment – Bringing It In

When you think of the term ‘environment’ you can also interpret it as to how and where you live. These two alone will control your thoughts and outcomes without you even realising it.

Bringing the term ‘environment’ into your own world can be as simple as creating a space of beauty. A space that is useable—a space to live.

How can you balance this environment, with caring for the outer environment?

Make Ethical Choices

Any self-serving greenie and certainly any business that is enfolded in an industry that contributes to creating homes and communities such as Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Garden Centre knows and understands we must preserve mother earth and her resources.

There are many products on the market that have been ethically grown and sourced and we stock a wide range of these products. We can help you make choices that will enhance and add value to your property, as well as, that can also work hand in hand with preserving our world’s environment.

Plantation wood and firewood is a good place to start. We provide quality dry wood for building and burning. Other places to search for ethical products are the mulches, gravel, and rock for your gardens.

Is the river rock you like so much ethically sourced or illegally dredged from a creek somewhere? Is there a more ethical, environmentally friendly choice?

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can answer all these questions and more. Come in, check out our amazing range of products and see for yourself how you can start saving the world today!

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Winter Is Coming

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When you hear the term “winter is coming”__ _you might mistake it as a reference to the popular _A Game of Thrones.

In this particular case, though, we really are referring to the fact that winter is coming in Australia. Unlike this book turned programme though we have winter come around every twelve months, so it is important to be prepared for the cold.

Many of us like the idea of a crackling wood fire but most of us do not have ready access to the wood necessary to keep them crackling.

It can be quite damaging to the wildlife that abounds when people think it is okay to go for a walk in the bush and simply pick up logs to put on their fires. We have seen and been told about animals being displaced from their homes or even killed in the process of people cutting wood from roadsides and bushland. This is a selfish act.

So what can you do to get a fire crackling in your living room without destroying some animal or its home?

Ethically Sourced and Dried

The firewood that Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Centre supplies has been sourced ethically and dried appropriately so that you can relax and actually enjoy your warm fire knowing you have done the right thing.

Most people do not realise that to get a good fire you need to have wood that has been cut, split and left to dry until there is very little moisture content. 10%-20% is perfect.

Damp or green wood will certainly burn but it will smoke a lot – which again, is bad for the environment. Green and damp wood does not burn as hot either. This is because the heat is taken by the wood itself as the moisture is evaporated in the fire.

More or Less Heat

The other important fact to be mindful of is that different woods burn at different levels and produce more or less heat.

All wood burns but soft wood burns quickly and does not produce as much heat. This means your fire needs more regular attention and a higher amount of wood. This then means you need to store more wood.

A good solid hardwood such as the plantation grown split Redgum that we supply will burn hotter and slower, which means better warmth and comfort for your home and family at a fraction of the cost.

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Sandy Loam Soil – What are the Alternatives?

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You may have read our article about the uses and benefits of sandy loam soil to the garden.

This article outlines what sandy loam soil is and what you need to do to help get your own garden soil to this condition, which is the most popular growing medium.

If you want to grow plants that thrive in this particular soil then by all means, come visit us here at Bacchus Marsh Redgum & Garden Centre. Our staff members have the know-how to create any blend you need to get your garden blooming.

Today, however, we want to share with you the alternatives that can be equally satisfying.

Sandy or Clay Soil

There are many beautiful plants that you can grow in these soil mediums.

In a clay soil, you can grow asters, goldenrod, daylily, yarrow, canna or black-eyed Susan with ease.

In a sandy soil broccoli, asparagus, crape myrtle, lavender, gazania, and cleome will thrive.

If you do not have a set idea of how you want your garden to look or what you want to grow then you will be safe to select plants that grow in the type of soil you are blessed with. By doing this, you may also be contributing to your community as these plants have a good chance of being native to the area.

Freeing You Up For Other Projects!

Choosing to work with what you have will free up your time to move on to other projects such as creating rock or paved pathways, garden edging and retaining walls. Maybe even that Balinese hut or outdoor spa you have been dreaming of.

Bacchus Marsh Redgum & Garden Centre stocks a complete range of drainage and decorative rocks ranging from the 20mm Tuscan pebble or rainbow rock all the way through to large 120mm granite.

The sand also comes in a variety of grades to suit any job.

Our Adbri masonry range of pavers comes in an assortment of styles and colours.

We also supply a large range of reinforced mesh, a variety of cement and mortars, and many tradesman’s tools to suit just about any DIY or commercial job.

Come in and visit our friendly and knowledgeable team. Their wide knowledge base will not only get you on the road to creating your own pathways, walls, and edging but can also save you time and effort as we share some tips of the trade, so to speak.

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Choosing Materials for Landscaping and Gardening Projects

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Once a landscape design is done, the next big step is to choose the materials for the project. The choice of landscaping materials can make a big difference in the outcome of the garden or designed open space. There will be many limitations in choices, particularly in the availability of planting materials. Some planting materials may not be suitable for the soil type of the existing area or they may not be suited for the climate. But in the case of other landscaping materials, certain guidelines can be observed and followed.

Quality over Cost

It will be a big mistake to compromise quality just to keep costs down. In many cases, this is not the best decision, although there can be cases where less expensive alternatives will do. More often than not, cheap materials mean low quality and poor durability. For the landscape to turn out perfectly, it is important to prioritise quality instead of the cost.

While quality should always be a primary concern, project managers and landscapers should not dismiss materials that can be as good even though they are cheaper. This could be experienced, for instance, in the purchase of paving materials. There can be alternatives to expensive pavers without compromising the quality of the material.

When it comes to quality landscape supplies, Bacchus Marsh Redgum & Garden Centre is the company to trust. The company has everything that a landscaper will need when it comes to creating the perfect open space at home or in a public area.

What to Look for in Top Landscape Materials

Top Soil

When it comes to choosing topsoil for the garden, check for top quality soil that will complement the existing soil in the garden or open space. Beware of bad soil that may contain toxic materials or undecomposed organic matter. Make sure that there are no clumps of clay or stones in the mix.

Pavers

Pavers are among the most important items to buy for the garden. When picking pavers, look for durable types as these materials will be subjected to human traffic, rain and sun exposure that could make low-quality types crack.

Mulch

Mulches are a great addition to the garden as they can control weed growth and define areas for plants. But one of their best attributes is their ability to retain moisture, thus limiting the need to water every time.

Choose from organic or inorganic mulches wisely. Consider the plant type to see if organic mulch such as moss can be good or actually be bad for the plant. Organic mulch can affect the acidity of the soil and even take nitrogen from the soil as it decomposes. On the other hand, there will be little problem using inorganic mulches such as pebbles and colourful cinder rocks.

Choosing The Right Landscaping Materials

Making the right choices in landscaping materials will ensure that the garden turns out pleasant and functional. It pays to know what to purchase even before heading to a supplier. Turn to a trusted supplier like Bacchus Marsh Redgum & Garden Centre to produce the best-looking garden. The company’s salespeople will also provide some much-needed guide for the best materials that are suitable for specific landscaping projects.

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Sandy Loam Soil: Use and Benefits to the Garden

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In gardening, one big challenge is obtaining the right soil to make the plants grow and to make them grow healthy. The type of soil to use will depend on the type of plants being cultivated. Some plants need clay types while others thrive with sandy types. In between, there is sandy loam. This type of soil provides just the right balance perfect for many kinds of vegetation.

What is Sandy Loam?

Sandy loam is made up of a good amount of sand, silt and clay. The composition makes it an ideal soil type for many plant types because of the balance it gives. Sand gives the soil better drainage capability, something that clay is not very good at. Clayey soil tends to absorb water, so if the composition is not balanced with sand particles, the soil becomes oversaturated.

Perfect Balance

Most of the existing garden soil types are already sandy loam such that most of the time, there really is no need to add extra top soil. But in some cases, the soil is not balanced with the right amount of silt, clay and sand.

One of the best ways to ensure that the garden soil is just right is by testing it for acidity levels. Sand is acidic, so too much of it will make the soil too acidic. The gardener can use a pH tester to determine the acidity of the soil. If the plants that will be used require slightly acidic soil, then all that is needed is to add a bit of sand to the soil.

Improving Top Soil

Even with the right mixture of sand, silt and clay, sandy loam is not necessarily the perfect soil for cultivating plants. This type of soil often requires regular irrigation because water tends to seep through the soil during irrigation. It may be necessary to treat the soil to make it amenable to some plant types. For instance, adding compost or peat moss will greatly improve the topsoil’s ability to retain water to minimise the need for watering. Treating sandy loam will also help the topsoil to retain nutrients needed by the plants.

To get just the right soil for the garden, it will be good for the gardener or garden DIY enthusiast to consult with a trusted landscape supplier such as Bacchus Marsh Redgum & Garden Centre. The landscape supplier provides quality soil to grow healthy plants. Bacchus Marsh Redgum & Garden Centre can also provide landscape supplies that will greatly improve the quality of the topsoil.

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Reliable Builders’ Hardware Supply for Tradie

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Builders’ hardware is a group of metal hardware that does not make any one part of a building. They are used to support building fixtures such as windows, cabinets and doors. Some examples of builders’ hardware are door hinges, door handles, bolts, latches, door knockers, and more. These products are usually made of brass, steel, aluminium, stainless steel and iron.

Builders’ Hardware and other Supplies for Commercial Building Projects

Superior soil supplier Bacchus Marsh Redgum & Garden Centre stocks a full range of builders’ hardware. The shop also supplies other materials needed for the construction industry including rocks, sand, and more.

Rocks are available in various sizes including 20 mm crushed rock, 10 mm crushed rock, 40 mm scalping, 14 mm screenings, 7 mm minus, crusher dust and 20 mm drainage. They also stock different kinds of sand: white brick sand, orange brick sand, concrete sand, packing sand and triple washed sand.

Cement, pavers and concrete reinforcing is also available in the store. Their range of concrete reinforcing includes F52, F62, F82, 8 mm/3 bar trenchmesh, 12 mm/3 bar trenchmesh, Y12 bar and Y16 bar. Customers can find different kinds of cement including GP cement, off white cement, Limil, Rapid Set, Concrete Mix and Mortar Mix. The Adbri Masonry range is also available at the store.

Almost everything you will need for your building project, whether small or big, can be found at the store. Check out their comprehensive range of products for commercial use at http://bacchusmarshredgumgardencentre.com.au/.

Why Builders’ Hardware Should be Readily Available

Timing is vital for any commercial and civil project in the building industry. Any delay for any reason can hinder the progress of the project and means additional costs to the entire project. Completing projects on time and on budget are important to builders and tradespeople so that they can leave their clients happy and satisfied.

For this reason, tradies and builders take care to have all the appropriate materials and tools readily available so their project can be completed without a hitch. Tradies can come to Bacchus Marsh Redgum & Garden Centre for reliable supplies of builders’ hardware and other construction materials. They have over 50 years of combined experience in supplying tradies and residential customers with whatever they need.

Virtually anything that a tradie could need is found at their store and they will deliver quickly. They maintain a large fleet of trucks to enable them to make prompt deliveries. Friendly service and advice, as well as, same day delivery service are guaranteed.

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What Makes a Good Garden Soil?

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When planning to set up a garden in your front yard or backyard, we tend to focus on picking which pants, trees or shrubs to plant. We imagine how the greenery and those blooming flowers will make our yard pleasing to the eyes. However, in order to have happy, healthy plants, the garden soil must be the correct texture and contain full nutrients.

Before starting a new garden, know the quality of soil in your yard, including the pH level, which fertiliser the soil will require, as well as what additives and organic matter will be effective to help you achieve a robust, vibrant garden.

Nutrients

Plants need three major nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen plays a major role in making leaves healthy and growing stems. Phosphorus is responsible for root growth. This nutrient is very vital in flowering bulbs and root crops. Potassium is used for overall plant health. Plants grow and develop stronger immune systems with potassium. Aside from the three major nutrients, plants need a number of trace elements to be healthy. These include calcium, magnesium, zinc, molybdenum and more.

pH Level

Soil acidity or alkalinity is measured by pH level. Soil pH is important because nutrients in the soil can only be used by plants if the soil pH is within a certain range. Various plants require different pH levels. The only method to know the pH level of your soil is to have it tested. Changing soil pH will take a while and your soil will tend to return to its old pH level over time, requiring frequent treatment.

Texture

Compared to soil fertility, it is more complicated to alter soil texture. Texture means the size of the soil particles. Sandy soils have very big particles, whereas clay has small particles. A simple test to determine soil texture is by making a ball of moist garden soil. Sandy soil breaks apart when you tap it. The soil is clay if you can press it between your thumb and finger and fashion a ribbon.

An ideal garden soil is what is called a sandy loam. It is light and permits air and water to move freely. The soil should also have some tilth, which has a fine, breadcrumb-like texture. This texture is created by adding sufficient organic matter to the soil.

Organic Matter

Organic matter refers to decaying plant or animal matter. Soil contains some organic matter, but it is not adequate to meet a plant’s needs. Your soil can achieve tilth by adding decaying organic matter, or humus. Organic matter helps sandy soil keep water and makes clay soil looser to allow for water, air and root movement. The primarily role of organic matter is that it promotes the growth of beneficial microbes and supplies some nutritional benefits.

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