Common Mistakes to Avoid with Garden Soil in Melbourne

🌱 Avoid These 5 Garden Soil Mistakes | Melbourne Gardening Tips

Healthy gardens start with the right soil. Learn the top 5 soil mistakes Melbourne gardeners make and how to fix them. Improve drainage, structure, and results

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🌱 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid with Garden Soil in Melbourne

If your garden isn’t thriving, chances are the problem starts below the surface. At ID Garden & Landscape Centre, we talk to customers every week who are dealing with poor plant growth, drainage issues, or disappointing veggie patches — and in many cases, the culprit is their soil.

Melbourne’s mixed soils can range from sandy loam to dense clay, and each type presents its own challenges. Here are five common soil mistakes we see and how you can avoid them in your own backyard.

 

🌿 1. Using the Wrong Soil for the Job

·      Not all soil is created equal. Veggie patches need light, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Native plants prefer low-nutrient, free-draining mixes. Lawns thrive in sandy loams that drain well.

·      Fix it:

o   Choose a soil blend suited to your plant types.

§  At ID, we offer specialty blends like Garden Blend, Lawn Blend, and Diggers Compost — each designed for specific uses.

🌿 2. Poor Drainage and Waterlogging

·      Heavy clay or compacted soils can lead to root rot and stunted growth. Waterlogged garden beds are a common issue, especially in Melbourne’s wetter suburbs.

·      Fix it:

o   Improve drainage by raising beds and blending in compost or coarse sand.

o   Avoid walking on garden beds, especially when wet.

o   Consider gypsum or compost to help break up clay over time.

 

🌿 3. Neglecting to Improve Soil Over Time

·      Soil isn’t “set and forget.” Over time, nutrients are depleted and organic matter breaks down. Many gardeners forget to feed and replenish their soil regularly.

·      Fix it:

o   Top-dress annually with compost or Diggers Compost, and mulch well to protect soil life.

o   Rotate crops and avoid leaving bare soil exposed.

 

🌿 4. Planting Without Conditioning the Soil

·      Digging a hole and dropping in a plant isn’t enough if the surrounding soil is poor. Your plant’s roots need room to grow through loose, healthy soil!

·      Fix it: Before planting, dig through compost or a suitable soil conditioner to enrich the area and improve structure.

🌿 5. Over-Reliance on Bagged Potting Mix

·      Bagged potting mix is great for pots — but it’s not a long-term solution for garden beds. It breaks down quickly, can repel water when dry, and often lacks nutrients for sustained growth.

·      Fix it:

o   Use potting mix only in containers.

o   For garden beds, opt for bulk blended soils like our Garden Blend or Premium Topsoil — available by the cubic metre (including ¼ and ½)

 

🌻 Get Soil Advice from Locals Who Know

Whether you’re starting fresh or fixing old beds, our team at ID Garden & Landscape Centre can help you choose the right soil for Melbourne’s conditions. We supply premium, locally blended soils and composts — ready for pickup or delivery across Eltham, Warrandyte, Montmorency, and beyond.

Visit us in store or order online, and let’s get your soil sorted!

ID Garden & Landscape Centre – The foundation of a healthy garden starts here.