Gardeners in Perth, Western Australia, are facing an uphill battle against what some are calling “Australia’s worst soil.” A discussion on Reddit has shed light on the challenges of cultivating gardens in the notorious Bassendean Sand, a strip of pale, nutrient-poor soil that stretches across the Perth metropolitan area.
The Geological Culprit: Bassendean Sand
Bassendean Sand, colloquially known as “Basso Sand” by locals, is a geological formation that presents unique challenges for gardeners.
This ancient soil type, formed from wind-blown sand dunes approximately 800,000 years ago, covers a significant portion of Perth’s suburban landscape.
“About ten kilometres inland from the coast in Perth is a strip of pale deep sand, called Bassendean Sand,” explains the original poster. It is “derived from wind-blown sand dunes originally formed 800 thousand years ago.”
A Gardener’s Nightmare
The properties of Bassendean Sand make it particularly difficult for gardening:
Poor water retention
Low nutrient content
Inability to hold organic matter
The original poster emphasises the soil’s inhospitable nature, stating: “It’s only sand, with no clay or silt, so it doesn’t retain organic matter.”
The combination of these factors, coupled with Perth’s hot Mediterranean climate and summer water restrictions, creates what many consider to be the most challenging gardening conditions in Australia. As the poster explains, “The only way it could be worse would be if the soil was saline or toxic.”
The Financial Burden of Soil Amendment
For those determined to create a thriving garden in Bassendean Sand, the costs can quickly add up. “If you want a garden that isn’t a dry sandpit in summer you need to spend a fortune on soil amendments and mulch,” the poster states.
One user shared their extensive efforts: “I’m sheet mulching, 15 cubic meters of woodchips in, I amend almost every hole I put a plant in, I sugar cane mulch, I compost, I worm farm, I add whatever animal manure I can get.”
Innovative Solutions and Adaptations
Despite the challenges, Perth gardeners are finding creative ways to work with Bassendean Sand:
Raised Beds and Wicking Systems
Many users recommend raised beds as a solution. One Redditor shares, “I went to raised beds rather than trying to dig into it. It’s been cost-effective, as I only apply amendments/compost/mulch inside the beds.”
Others suggest wicking beds, which can help conserve water in the sandy conditions.
Clay Addition
Some gardeners are experimenting with adding clay to the soil. The original poster calculated, “To get 10% clay in the top 25cm in a typical suburban garden would require around 2000 kg of bentonite. That’s a couple of trailer loads.”
One innovative user suggests, “I know people who had massive deliveries of bentonite kitty litter sacks as it was cheaper than landscaping/agricultural clay, and easier to handle.”
Native Plant Focus
Many Perth gardeners are turning to native plants adapted to the local conditions. “I’m dealing with it by planting out the backyard with local natives because everything else takes a heap of effort to maintain outside pots,” one user shares.
The Long-Term Approach
Some Perth gardeners are taking a patient, long-term approach to improving their soil. One Redditor describes their 20-year journey: “After over 20 years my white sand is turning brown because of the local native plants I planted when I moved in. The worms, ants, termites (yes, termites…) and bugs have been dragging plant material down into the sand all that time and it’s slowly turning into some kind of soil.”
A Silver Lining: Biodiversity Hotspot
Despite the gardening challenges, there’s a positive aspect to the Bassendean Sand ecosystem. As one user points out, “It’s also one of the most diverse places in the world for flora. And they’re a bugger to get established but well worth the effort.”
This unique ecosystem has led to the evolution of plant species specifically adapted to these harsh conditions, offering gardeners a wide array of native options for their landscapes.
While Bassendean Sand presents significant challenges for Perth gardeners, their resilience, creativity, and dedication shine through.
From innovative soil amendments to embracing native flora, these Australian gardeners are proving that with patience and perseverance, even the most challenging soil can be coaxed into supporting vibrant gardens.
Based in sunny Brisbane, Linda has a keen interest in ornamental plants. She firmly believes that gardens are as much about aesthetics as they are about functionality.
Despite being a life-long gardener, she still enjoys learning about new plants and gardening techniques and sharing her discoveries with the Ultimate Backyard community.
When she's not immersed in her garden, Linda loves reading and walking.
