Understanding your soil: Creating a garden condition map

Gather all of the information collected through the tests performed in the previous blogs and have a look at what you have got. Try comparing the different layers of information. You should now have a firm idea about all of the conditions present in your garden. If you have the time, you could combine the information onto one page and create a garden conditions map to guide planting.

Another layer i left out but you might consider including into your conditions map is wind exposure. For exposed sites this is a significant consideration and worth mapping. Most sites in suburban Melbourne you can get away without having to worry too much. To know if you need to consider wind exposure, you need to do a few garden walks on moderately windy days. You may find one area of your garden is feels particularly exposed. For example, a front yard with low fences might pick up the wind tunneling down the adjoining street, where as the backyard of the same property may be unaffected. The difference will be easily observed.

You should now understand each area of your garden with some detail and you should be able to break your garden down into a series of micro-climates. You should know all the variations from full sun – free drainage to deep shade – slow drainage and the combinations in between.

You are now ready to return to the nursery and buy your plants. Don’t forget to bring your plan with you to show the nursery staff. Happy planting!

Note: If you don’t have a garden base plan please refer to previous blog
Understanding your garden: Creating a Garden Base plan & site assessment 101