When selecting a bagged or bulk soil blend, check to make sure it contains no chemicals or fertilizers. For the greatest gardening success, look for an organic blend that is formulated for the growing conditions in your region. Topsoil is more of a general-purpose landscape material. Gardeners use topsoil to:. Level low spots in the lawn in preparation for sod installation Add organic material to an existing lawn as a means of reducing thatch and increasing pest and weed resistance Fill the lower layer of raised bed planters.
Garden soil is a growing medium, designed to provide much-needed nutrients for improved plant health. Gardeners turn to this landscape material for:.
Hanging flower baskets and window boxes Raised bed planters and container gardens Vegetable, herb and flower garden beds Rose bushes and other ornamental shrubs. High-quality enriched soil tends to cost more than topsoil, but the needs of your garden — and not the price of the landscape material — should be the deciding factor.
This is especially true for the soil where you grow annual flowers and vegetables, which suck up a lot of nutrients to fuel their rapid growth. If you're not sure if you need to add nutrients, a soil test is a quick way to check.
To add nutrients and to replace organic matter as it breaks down, add inches of compost to your garden beds in the fall. Then you'll be all set for spring and can just add a layer of mulch after cleaning up and planting your beds for the new growing season. Once you've decided to add topsoil to your garden, now what? Time to think about how you want to use it, where to get it, and how much you need.
Topsoil is a good choice for filling up raised beds , repairing eroded spots, or filling in holes. When planting a new lawn or overseeding a patchy lawn , you can use a thin layer of topsoil to protect grass seeds as they sprout. One thing you shouldn't use topsoil for is filling your containers. It won't drain as well as you need it to in a container, and it makes your pots very heavy.
Topsoil is widely available through a variety of sources, including garden centers, nurseries, and home improvement stores. Usually, commercially available topsoil has been screened; this means any extra materials such as small rocks, roots, and debris have been removed. If you need to fill a raised bed or install a berm , measure the area's square footage and depth to estimate how many cubic feet of topsoil you'll need.
To install a new lawn, plan to spread a layer of inches of topsoil before sowing seed or laying sod, depending on the quality of your existing soil. By Kelly Roberson Updated April 27, Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team.
If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Save Pin FB More. Credit: Marty Baldwin. Comments 2 Add Comment. View Comments. May 5, You should also consider having your soil tested after topsoil has been added, in case the pH and nutrient levels in the soil need to be amended prior to planting. If you need to figure out how much you need, try our online landscaping calculator.
For our other gardening tips, check out our article on xeriscaping. Using Topsoil for Gardening and Landscaping. What is Topsoil? Topsoil is the top 5 to 6 inches of soil. How to Choose Topsoil can be used in various landscaping projects such as starting gardens, plant and flower beds.
You should mix the new and existing soil to create a smooth transition layer. How to Use Topsoil Start by tilling the top few inches of existing soil and then add a 3-inch layer of the topsoil you purchased. Contact Us. Share on facebook.
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