Topsoil

Do you need topsoil?

If you´re in the market for topsoil you already know that your dirt just isn´t making your plants happy. However, before you buy topsoil, analyze your soil to find out what you have, so you´ll know what you need to do to improve the character of the existing soil. Different regions have various types of soil ranging from sandy coastal soils to nutrient rich clay soils that don´t drain at all. When you amend with topsoil make sure that the new topsoil has the qualities needed to enhance your soil.

New topsoil can replenish your soil with minerals that plants need, or it can make matters worse by creating an unfavorable pH, poor drainage, and an unanticipated proliferation of weeds. To avoid altering the pH in the wrong direction, consider getting a soil test kit. Often local extension services will test soil samples for free or a very low cost. Evaluate soil to prevent unintended drainage consequences. For example, if you have clay-based soil and add a layer of sandy soil, the water will percolate through the sandy layer and be retained by the clay layer. If you put a clay based soil on top of a sandy soil, the water will drain into the sandy layer only after the clay layer is saturated.

Even the best soil needs care and feeding. Once you have topsoil that balances your existing soil, you still need to amend your soil regularly with compost and mulch to grow the kind of nutrient dense, rich soil that your plants crave.