How to Know if You Have Quality Topsoil

The best way to find out where your topsoil is in terms of quality is to test the soil's pH, or even better to take a soil sample for testing at your local extension office. Topsoil should fall into the pH range from 5.5 to 7.0 and can be tested with a simple pH meter. If you want to know more, have the test done.

What should I look for in top soil?
Are there different grades of topsoil?
What is difference between topsoil and compost?
How thick should topsoil be?
What is the best grade topsoil?
What's the difference between garden soil and topsoil?
What's the difference between topsoil and lawn soil?
Should I mix topsoil with compost?
Can you mix topsoil with compost?
How much compost do I mix with top soil?

What should I look for in top soil?

Buying topsoil

Look out for high stone content, thick fibrous roots, weeds and contaminants such as glass and brick. Inspection will enable any concerns you may have to be discussed before purchasing it.

Are there different grades of topsoil?

The type of topsoil can make a big difference in the success of your landscape and garden. ... There are three basic types of soil that you can use in your garden: clay, sand, and loam. Each soil has its own unique properties and are best for different situations. Clay is soil that is made up of very small particles.

What is difference between topsoil and compost?

Topsoil helps to improve the structure and texture of soil, enabling it to retain nutrients, moisture, air and drain excess water effectively. Compost injects vital nutrients and organic matter into your garden, providing the ideal environment for plants to get the best start in life.

How thick should topsoil be?

To spread over a garden bed, you'll want enough to give you at least a 2-inch layer. To install a new lawn, plan to spread a layer of 3-6 inches of topsoil before sowing seed or laying sod, depending on the quality of your existing soil.

What is the best grade topsoil?

A screened sandy loam is the best soil for turf laying. Flower Bed and Border Topsoil – A better quality screened topsoil with a higher organic matter content is best for flowerbeds.

What's the difference between garden soil and topsoil?

Topsoil is stripped from the top layer of soil during construction projects. Garden soil is topsoil enriched with compost and organic matter to make it better suited to actual plant growth. The addition of compost will reduce compaction and also provide nutrients that will feed the plants over many years.

What's the difference between topsoil and lawn soil?

Landscape professionals often call topsoil fill dirt – but it's really not actual dirt. ... No plants thrive in dirt. Topsoil, on the other hand, contains natural organic matter from leaves, grasses, weeds and tree bark that can help sustain plant life.

Should I mix topsoil with compost?

Mixing topsoil and compost is a great way to make your own potting compost. This mixture will dry out less slowly than compost, because of the water-retaining and structure-holding features of topsoil.

Can you mix topsoil with compost?

You can mix compost with topsoil to create your own potting compost, as many of the nurseries do, which gives you the advantages of soil – namely that it dries out more slowly and holds its structure better – together with the benefits of compost – organic matter and more nutrients, a compost made with loam or soil is ...

How much compost do I mix with top soil?

The general rule of thumb is 1/4 to 1/2 inch if applying to the top of the soil and 1 to 2 inches if you plan to amend the soil. Recommended maximums are 30% compost in a soil blend, but no more than 25% compost in containers or raised beds.