Plants for Sandy Soils

Banksia ericifolia – Heath Banksia

Sandy soil is comprised of minuscule pieces of rock .05 to 2 mm in diameter and has a gritty texture to it. Sandy soils have poor water holding and nutrient retention. Traditional gardens grown on sandy soils require regular watering and fertilising which can be time consuming, expensive, and unsustainable.

It is far better to choose plants that grow naturally in sandy soils, as they generally have adaptations that allow them to grow sustainably in them. Adaptations include root nodules that create nutrients and make use of available water in the soil more efficiently. Many Australian Native trees and shrubs thrive in sandy soils. Species such as Grevilleas, Acacias, Banksias, and many others are good examples of this and are perfect for use in low fertility sandy soils.

When gardening in sandy soils it is best to use organic mulches in abundance to create healthy biologically active soils to minimise water usage and to kick start the nutrient cycle. Avoid using artificial fertilisers which can kill soil bacteria and interfere with the process.

Regular pruning can also be implemented to reduce water and nutrient use of the plants. Keeping them small reduces the water and nutrients required to maintain them.

Melaleuca hypericifolia – Hillock Bush

Timely and strategically implemented watering programmes mimicking irregular rainfall patterns are far more beneficial to these specialised plants rather than regular waterings as they can interfere with soil microorganisms that contribute to the nutrient cycle.

The table below contains species that do well in sandy soils.