What Makes Loam The Ideal Soil For Gardening And Agriculture?

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Loam is your best soil for gardening and agriculture because of the different soils of which it is made. The different types of soil affect how the water behaves, which then affects how much water the plants are getting. Loam is the perfect combination of the different types of soil, so it allows for the right amount of water to stay with the plants; also, the water doesn’t hang around too long, or disappear too quickly.

Loam is made up of 40 percent sand, 40 percent silt and 20 percent clay. Following, is information regarding the different types of soil, as well as how each soil’s properties work harmoniously in loamy soil to produce excellent results for gardening and agriculture.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil is made up of large particles that allows for good aeration, so the water drains well and enough air can get to the roots of the plant, which prevents it rotting from overexposure to moisture. On its own, sandy soil may become compacted, which would not allow air to circulate but in the combination with the other two types of soil, this is solved. The sand percentage also helps the loamy soil warm up in the spring for planting, which makes it a good choice for gardening.

Clay Soil

Clay soil particles are really fine, so they hold the water and nutrients. Because of this, the clay in your loamy soil is what helps to stop the plants from drying out. Another important function that the clay element in loamy soil serves is that it is heavier than silty or sandy soils, so it does not erode as quickly if exposed to the elements.

Silty Soil

Silty soil is what makes up this wonderful combination of soils, with qualities that complement both clay and sandy soil particles. Silty soil is one of the most fertile, and is of a smooth consistency and has a good combination of organic matter and minerals. It does not stick together easily but appears to have a somewhat slippery texture.

If you have questions about different soil types or would like to bring a sample from your garden to get some help with what your soil might need for it to become more loamy, come and talk to one of the staff at Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Garden Centre today.

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Alternative Gardening Ideas And Methods

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What exactly do we mean when we consider the term ‘alternative gardening’? An alternative to what? Largely, the idea of alternative gardening is about methods that are based around permaculture principles, and do not require or use chemicals. This will often encompass looking for alternative ways of doing things where conventional methods have failed, or are not the best course of action.

Alternative gardening methods have been around for centuries, and only replaced by chemical based gardening during the last century or two. There was once a time when everything was organic! Thankfully, the growth in the re-awareness and popularity of permaculture principles is an excellent move for our species, and it has inspired an abundance of creativity when it comes to doing things a bit differently.

At a time when we have a wealth of information at our fingertips, the eco awareness of the human race, combined with savvy new technology and innovative design, is gradually bringing balance back into our gardens.

Hydroponic and Aquaponic Gardening

One of the key principles of permaculture is that there is no such thing as waste. Which means using efficiency in the garden, even to the use of space. Hydroponic and aquaponic gardening do not use conventional garden beds with soil and produce very little waste. The plants are grown in pipes or bathtubs that are filled with large gravel, which allow the water to circulate, recycling nutrients in a symbiotic relationship.

Hydroponic systems use a system of pipes and can either be indoors, grown using lights, in a green house, or in the open sunshine. Aquaponic systems include a fish pool where fish are grown as well, which provides rich natural fertilisation for the plants that are grown in the bathtubs of gravel. Food that is grown in this way is usually robust, healthy and nutrient dense, especially the fish.

Straw Bale Gardening

Straw bale gardening is a really easy and cheap alternative gardening method because the straw bale becomes the garden itself, so there is no need for building anything. It is also handy if you do not have much space, or if you want to grow plants but do not have access to a patch of ground, as the straw bale can be placed anywhere.

The only downside to straw bale gardening is that once the straw bale is soggy, weedy and established it will not be easy to move, because of its weight, but by that time you’ll usually be ready to recycle it into something else in your permaculture friendly garden.

Come visit us at Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Garden Centre and we’ll talk you through other alternative gardening techniques including vertical gardens, pallet gardening and upcycled containers.

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How to Treat Plants that are Infested with Pests

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If you have an infestation of pests on your plants, there is a good chance that you are providing comfortable conditions for them to be there through some means unbeknownst to you. Perhaps there are areas of your garden that are in need of care that provide places for insects to live and breed, with your plants being the feasting grounds. This can be very annoying if you are hoping to grow food for yourself to eat. First step—secure the perimeter!

Preventative Measures

Clear the areas around where your plant is growing, and ensure that your garden is in good health. Remove anything that is dying or looks like it may be infected or housing insects. Your best defence against an insect invasion is a healthy garden zone. Use natural composting methods to keep your plants strong and vibrant.

What Attracts Pests?

Usually pests are attracted to a specific plant, so rotating and interplanting your crops will assist with keeping infected plants quarantined rather than it spreading to all of them. Moisture that lingers on plants can cause fungus and other pests to take hold, so it is best to water them in the morning when they have all day for the moisture to dry.

Invite Friendly Pests

One way to combat a pest infection is to invite friendly pests to your garden by planting things that they like to eat. These beneficial pests include ladybugs, brachonids, lacewings, hover-flies and praying mantises. Different insects will be companions for your crop, depending on what you are planting. It often pays to do your research and find out which insects are the good ones to have around for that crop and invite them to the party by planting some of the plants that will attract them to the garden. They will then eat any pests that are trying to eat your crop, before it’s all gone!

Treatment

While there is an array of different chemical solutions available for you to spray on your plants to protect them from pests, there is also the question of how safe the food will be after using them. Back in the old days, before chemicals were made in factories, people came up with their own remedies for combatting pests, which used ingredients that were found in the pantry. These include canola oil, soap, garlic and cayenne pepper, just to name a few. Do some research online for finding the right treatment for your infestation, or come and talk to our expert gardeners at Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Garden Centre.

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How to Improve the Quality of Your Soil for Healthier Plants

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Having healthy soil is imperative to having healthy plants, so no amount of work that you do will assist your plants in being as healthy as they can be, unless your soil is healthy. There are a various types of soil, and each will need different things to improve it to the point where it will be able to give its best to your plants, and keep them as healthy as possible.

Know Your Soil

Knowing what your soil in order to be at its best, means getting to know your soil; therefore, don’t be afraid to get your hands into it. Grab a big handful and really get the feel for it. There are four basic types of soil that you will find in your garden. These are sandy, loamy, silty and clay. They each have attributes that could benefit from adding specific ingredients to the mix.

Feed Your Soil

Sandy soil doesn’t hold on to its nutrients very well, so adding lots of organic matter to it, especially before sowing your seeds will get it in good shape for your plants to grow. Silty and loamy soil are the best in which to grow plants, so they do not need much work, except for some fertiliser. Clay soil is not very aerated so it will need lots of organic matter that has already broken down. If you have clay soil it is best to add the well broken down organic matter at least a month or two before you want to use the soil. If you aren’t sure about what sort of soil you have, feel free to bring a handful into Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Garden Centre and one of our experts can assist you in getting the balance you need.

Check pH Levels

Depending on what you are choosing to plant, the pH levels of the soil can be an important aspect to consider. Neutral soil will be best for most plants, but some prefer it to be slightly acidic, or alkaline. You can test your soil by using a pH testing kit, which is available at any garden centre. Once you know the pH levels of your soil you can adjust it accordingly to suit whatever plant you are growing in it. Ground lime will make your soil more alkaline and adding sulphur will make it more acidic.

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How Much Do You Expect to Pay for a Professional Gardener?

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Often when we first design and put in a garden the enthusiasm is there in bucket loads, but for some of us either it begins to wane over time, or we just don’t have enough hours in the day to maintain it. If you are finding that you can no longer keep up with your garden, it might be time to look at getting in some professional help to keep it in good shape for you. One of the most frequently heard questions that we are asked at Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Garden Centre is what will a professional gardener do and how much would you expect to pay.

Services Offered by Gardeners

Depending on what level of gardening you want, there are many different services offered by gardeners that can include designing, landscaping and maintaining the whole garden for you. This can also include installing retaining walls, pavers and water sprinkler systems. If you simply want a gardener to come in on a regular basis and maintain the existing garden with weeding and clearing away refuse, that service is also available. Getting clear about exactly what you are seeking beforehand and what work needs to be done, will give you an idea about what you are going to be asking for.

Cost of Gardeners

Depending on what work you need done, prices can vary around $30 per hour for basic, semi-skilled labourers to do mowing, weeding, clearing and mulching. For professional garden services that are hired on a contract basis, usually the cost can be anywhere from $60 to $80 per hour. Often if there is a specific job that needs doing such as removing trees or installing a retaining wall, this will often be quoted as a flat rate, on a job by job basis. Talk to the staff at Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Garden Centre for information about local gardeners’ referrals or information relating to what you might expect to pay for particular jobs.

What to Look for When Hiring a Gardener

Remember that when you hire a gardener you are essentially inviting them to come into your personal space, so you will want to choose someone who is trustworthy. If a gardener turns up for a job late, without the required safety gear, lacking in tools or generally causing you to question their work ethics, it might be a good idea to look somewhere else. There are some pertinent questions you can ask while you are on the phone booking them to ascertain whether they are the appropriate person before you give them the address. What services do you provide? Do you have insurance? How long will the job take? Can you provide a written quote? Do you have any references?

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Organic Gardening as a Business

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With what we understand today about many of the practices of mainstream farming, we are aware that there are often several chemicals used in the production and growing of many of the fruits and vegetables we buy. It is for this reason that a growing number of people are changing to choosing organic produce in an effort to reduce the amount of toxins that we absorb into our bodies. This means that even the smallest organic growers now have the opportunity to sell their produce, whether in large amounts, or simply at smaller markets, or to neighbours and friends.

Getting Started

Before you start, it is a good idea to put some thought into what produce you would like to grow. This will mean working out what is sustainable for the amount of land that you have, as well as the climate where the plants will be growing. You may also want to take into account the other local growers in your area. Investigate whether you can fill a niche that they are not fulfilling with their own produce. It is also important to factor in how much time you are prepared to put into your growing business. Some crops will require more from you, while others such as squash, sunflowers and corn will practically take care of themselves as long as you keep the weeds down.

How to Grow

Organic farming is all about reducing the amount of chemicals used in the soil, by using natural ways of keeping weeds down, reducing pests and cultivating crops. Choosing your growing method for organic produce means doing some research and working out how you want to go about doing it. There are different methods involved for keeping pests at bay. One such method involves growing specific companion plants that invite good pests in to eat the ones that will destroy your crops. Do as much research as possible to find out what will work for you, as well as how to go about achieving success. Different plants will need different nutrients so ensure that the crop you are growing is getting everything it needs for optimal health of the plant and the best yield possible.

Where to Sell

If you live in rural areas, the honesty box outside your house is still a popular choice for selling organic produce, as well as farmers’ markets. Many cities and suburban areas now have organic farmers’ markets on weekends, which provide a perfect opportunity to sell all your tasty, chemical free produce to happy customers who will keep coming back.

When to Plant

Research the plants that you are thinking of growing, and the season that you want to grow them in, to ensure that the conditions will be the best for them. The moon planting guide is an excellent resource for knowing what to plant and when, so pick up a chart and follow it as a guide for the best times of the year for particular produce. Don’t forget to talk with other organic farmers whom you will find are an invaluable source of information, and stop by the Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Garden Centre to talk to us about what we know about organic gardening practices.

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Design Your Own Garden With the Right Gardening Tools

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There was once a time when we did everything ourselves because that was the only way things would get done. Then, over time, as we got busy it became common place to always get a professional in to do work around our home that we need done. We believed that this was the only way to get the job done, but with some things this not always the case. If we have the right tools, we are able to do just as fantastic a job without the hefty price tag that accompanies getting someone else to do it and with the added joy of having done it ourselves.

Computer Garden Design Programs

The DIY movement has made it a lot easier for people to design and landscape their own gardens without needing to get a professional in to do the work. One tool that will be invaluable for the owner who wants a hands-on approach is a design program that you can use on your computer to plan your ideas and work out exactly what you want. It can take you through the whole process, step by step, allowing you to design and build your perfect garden.

Wheelbarrow

Let’s face it, if you’ve got money to burn, there are a lot of different tools you can buy for working on your garden, and if you have space to keep all your gadgets safe and the money to purchase them, go ahead and do it. But often a lot of the things that are advertised are not needed, and will be more likely to be used once and left to collect dust in your shed. But before you go out and spend your cash buying the latest gadgets let’s have a look at some of the tools that you really need, starting with a wheelbarrow. A wheelbarrow will be invaluable for you in moving things around your garden, so make sure you have one of these.

Spade and Hoe

A spade is another tool that you cannot live without if designing and building your garden. It can be used not only to shovel dirt, but is great for churning up the garden beds and turning them over. A hoe is another important tool that will assist you with breaking up hard dirt and allowing air into the soil.

Adjustable Hose

Without water, your garden will not survive, so ensure that you have a good long hose with an adjustable nozzle, to ensure that you can get water to those hard to reach places. Having some sort of hanging storage device for keeping your hosepipe in order, will help to keep it out of the sun when you are not using it, and also prevent it from getting tangled.
At Bacchus Marsh and Redgum Garden Centre, we know all about designing gardens, and what tools you will need, so if you have any questions about tools, plants or design ideas, stop by and have a chat with one of our experienced staff.

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Aesthetic And Functional Benefits Of Using Natural Materials In Landscaping

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If you are looking to landscape your property and are considering what materials to use, choosing natural materials can be an aesthetically pleasing and functional way to approach landscaping. During recent years, permaculture principles have become an important part of gardening for people everywhere, and there are definitely advantages in going the natural way and saving you money, while providing a natural look for your garden.

Utilise the Existing Lay of the Land

Permaculture principles guide us to mimic nature when planning how we will utilise the land that we are landscaping. This means using what is there, and adding to it, rather than completely overhauling the land and starting from the beginning. There may be a gorgeous old tree that could become a feature of your property, adding colour and life to the landscape of your natural garden.

Reduce Costs

Using natural materials can really reduce costs. An example is with the use of water. A key element in natural landscaping is the addition of a water feature of some sort. Having water as an aspect of the landscape design mirrors the surrounding areas but often can be costly if using pumps; these can break down and need repair. One way to reduce costs by using natural materials in your water feature is through planting natural biofilters around your water feature, as an alternative to pumps. To do this you would have gravel beds with indigenous plants to self-cleanse the water to reduce algae. If you have trees that need to be cut down, these can be chipped to provide valuable cover for maintaining moisture in garden beds.

Attract More Flora and Fauna

Using natural materials in your landscaping attracts more flora and fauna to make your garden their home, which assists with maintaining the natural ecosystem. Native plants will attract more birds and bees to your garden, which serves an important function for pollinating all sorts of different plants, including your vegetables. As you will notice when you visit Bacchus Marsh and Redgum Garden Centre, the more natural your garden is, the more you will want to be there relaxing and enjoying it.

Sustainable Products

Humans are becoming more conscious of their impact upon the world they live in, with sustainability being an important part of decision making processes. Using natural materials in landscaping is a far reaching decision that allows for more sustainable practices beyond your own garden, and into the wider world.

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Pros And Cons Of Maintaining Real Grass In Your Garden

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Have you ever looked at yards that have concrete throughout, or pebbles, instead of real grass and wondered why? Whether knowingly, or just as a fluke, these people have avoided the maintenance issues that come with real grass, but it is not for everyone.
For some of us, the opportunity to lie down and relax on our own piece of fresh, green, living grass makes the maintenance issues worth all the while. If you still haven’t made up your mind about which works best for you, read on for some of the pros and cons of maintaining real grass in your garden.

Maintaining Green Grass is Not Exactly a Green Choice

When you add up the environmental impact of maintaining a live lawn, the cost to the environment is actually a lot more than one might imagine. The amount of water that a hungry living lawn consumes, especially in dry weather, is huge. Lawns don’t stay green if they are not watered, so expect to be watering yours at least every few days, otherwise you might come home and find it dead.
On top of the cost of watering it, the amount of trimming, mowing and blowing that is done, often with fuel guzzling machinery really puts a dent in your personal carbon footprint. Additionally, if you choose to use chemicals to combat the dreaded bindis, clover or other ‘grass pests’, you will most likely be poisoning the groundwater for many years to come.

Conversely, Living Lawns Look and Feel Great

Have you ever spotted a lush piece of grass that inspires you to take off your shoes and walk on it? This is the upside of having a living lawn, which you will never be able to appreciate with the alternatives, such as fake grass or concrete. There are ways around the environmental impacts that we have already discussed. Firstly, instead of using tap water to water your lawn, you could use recycled or bore water, which is actually a clever way of utilising the grey water that you have.
In terms of fertilising and keeping your lawn looking its best, there are organic methods for combating lawn pests such as bindis and clover, although they will not work as effectively as the chemicals at the hardware store. If you are set on having a lovely living lawn to walk on, there are ways of making it lower maintenance, so do your research and if all else fails come and talk to one of our friendly team at Bacchus Marsh & Redgum Garden Centre.

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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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