Garden Revival

UrBaN963

UrBaN963

Honorary Master
Joined
Jul 27, 2016
Messages
25,031
Reaction score
22,695
Location
JHB
Morning folks,

I need some help with my garden. It is the killer of plants.

The top 15-20cm are essentially just dead sand, but below seems to be moist soil. I'm no green thumb, so I need some advice.

Would simply turning a few bags of compost into the sand/soil and adding some water be sufficient to support life, or do I need to do something more drastic?

The garden gets a ton of sun so I'll need recommendations on plants that can withstand that sort of thing as well. Feels like the damn Karoo here, I get parched just looking at it.
 
RedViking said:
Maybe then go for succulents?
Click to expand...
Yea they're an option, but I'd first like to revive the soil somewhat. This is Fourways, not Death Valley - things can grow here, I just need pointers because the only seeds I've planted are the ones that incur massive cost.
 
Hi.

Firstly define dead sand? Is there grass coverage and shrubbery growing on the same patch of land? If its construction rubble and fine riversand, but course of action would be to remove and start afresh with topsoil and compost.
 
genetib97 said:
Hi.

Firstly define dead sand? Is there grass coverage and shrubbery growing on the same patch of land? If its construction rubble and fine riversand, but course of action would be to remove and start afresh with topsoil and compost.
Click to expand...
Hi,

No, nothing is in the sand/soil. There's a lawn, then next to it is what would be a flower bed, sans flowers. Had planted a bunch of plants from the nursery - all dead within a week. No rubble or stones, mostly just brown sand/dehydrated soil. And yes, I did water it :D
 
It may just be compacted then. Good compost worked into the top 10cm of soil should do the trick. Also dont overwater seedlings, as they very quickly develop root rot.

Do some research on lasagna gardening which may be a long term solution to aerate and enrichen your soil long term.

Hope this helps
 
d71a77138d1f25256fa3de8d9a24d97a.jpg


It all pretty much looks like this. The soil above has just been turned so it looks more moist than usual.
 
Oh and also, dont water plants in the heat of day. Either early morning or in the evenings. Watering in direct sunlight will burn any plant
 
genetib97 said:
It may just be compacted then. Good compost worked into the top 10cm of soil should do the trick. Also dont overwater seedlings, as they very quickly develop root rot.

Do some research on lasagna gardening which may be a long term solution to aerate and enrichen your soil long term.

Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Thank you, I'll read up on that.
 
UrBaN963 said:
d71a77138d1f25256fa3de8d9a24d97a.jpg


It all pretty much looks like this. The soil above has just been turned so it looks more moist than usual.
Click to expand...
If anything it looks like you have compacted soil. Compost and fertiliser will definately help you out here. Will you be putting a border of some sort around your bedding, it helps keep all the good stuff in
 
genetib97 said:
If anything it looks like you have compacted soil. Compost and fertiliser will definately help you out here. Will you be putting a border of some sort around your bedding, it helps keep all the good stuff in
Click to expand...
Wasn't planning on it but I can if need be. I'm an IT guy, this organic nonsense is difficult.
 
UrBaN963 said:
Morning folks,

I need some help with my garden. It is the killer of plants.

The top 15-20cm are essentially just dead sand, but below seems to be moist soil. I'm no green thumb, so I need some advice.

Would simply turning a few bags of compost into the sand/soil and adding some water be sufficient to support life, or do I need to do something more drastic?

The garden gets a ton of sun so I'll need recommendations on plants that can withstand that sort of thing as well. Feels like the damn Karoo here, I get parched just looking at it.
Click to expand...
I hear the average church is good with a revival. They seem to have them a lot throughout the year on year.
 
For aesthetics id dig out 10cm, then lasagna
Compost and fertiliser on top
 
Just throw a few bags of compost on top. Don't till it in.

Then the soil underneath will remain wet for longer and the plants won't immediately die.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X