Designing Soil Mixes for Native Plants in Southeast Queensland

There’s no single “native plant soil.” The mix must match the specific species and site conditions.

General Guideline

A balanced starting point is 45% clay, 45% sand, 10% organic matter (compost or peat). However, many Australian natives prefer:

• Excellent drainage (increase sand/gravel).
• Low phosphorus (avoid manures, use native-specific fertilizers).
• Acidic to neutral pH.

Process

1. Test existing soil.
2. Select plants suited to that soil, or amend for desired species.
3. Incorporate amendments thoroughly before planting.

Observe natural plant communities in your area for clues.