Soil compaction - Problems and Solutions

Do you struggle with soil compaction? In cities where space is limited and gardening conditions are often less than ideal, compacted soil can become a significant barrier to growing healthy, thriving plants and to the health of our environment. Soil compaction can be a problem lurking in your garden, quietly affecting plant health, water retention, and overall health and productivity of your space and the wider environment.  

In this one hour Master Class delivered by Craig Castree, we’ll explore how compacted soil disrupts plant growth, reduces root penetration, contributes to poor drainage, and poor nutrient exchange, leaving your garden struggling. We’ll also unpack the unique factors that lead to soil compaction in urban environments—from construction, heavy foot traffic, and the use of containers to the challenges of small, confined garden spaces and how has an impact on all manner of natural cycles including our weather, especially rainfall.

Don’t worry—it’s not all bad news! This session will also provide solutions. You’ll learn simple, effective techniques for reversing soil compaction in urban gardens, including how to improve aeration, boost organic matter, and create a healthier, more resilient soil ecosystem. Whether you’re a community gardener, balcony gardener, or city dweller with a small backyard, you’ll walk away with actionable tips to rejuvenate your garden soil and support better plant growth.

Join us to find out how you can turn your compacted urban soil into the perfect foundation for a flourishing garden.

This session is the first in a series called “Focus on Soil”. Other topics include Soil Overview and the role of fungi; Soil Contamination and Safety; Microbes and Minerals – Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. You can become a Friend of SGA here. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) is a not-for-profit non-government organiation dedicated to achieving a healthy biodiverse planet.

Its driving purpose is to:

• Encourage, educate and enable home and professional gardeners to adopt sustainable gardening practices to protect or enhance the natural environment;
• Provide information, education and undertake research about the natural environment;
• Reconnect people to the natural world through gardening; and
• Ensure an understanding of the impacts that gardening decisions about chemical and resource use have on the natural environment well beyond their neighbourhood.