The Best Topsoil for Your Garden

If you’re new to growing plants, there’s a lot to learn, and this includes the use of topsoil. To make sure you’re getting the best product available for your plants, it's important to consider what your plant needs. 

The Importance of Topsoil

You might not be aware of what topsoil really is. Topsoil is the outer layer of soil. It is usually 2 to 12 inches deep, measured from the surface to the subsoil layer. The creation of topsoil could take a century of weathering rocks and decomposition of organic matter, and it is usually made up of clay, sand, and silt. 

Plants also spread their roots into the topsoil layer, particularly because it contains a lot of minerals and nutrients. Topsoil can also contain manure, bacteria, worms, micro-organisms, and insects, making it very fertile.

Topsoil: What You Need to Know

Topsoil is commonly used for gardening, particularly because of the many benefits that it offers. Typically, new gardens are layered with topsoil to help plants adapt and grow in a healthy environment. It can also be added to gardens that inherently have a low quality of soil, improving the fertility. Gardens in areas that are dominated by sand can also be reclaimed using topsoil, creating a more hospitable environment for plants. 

Improved plant health

Brimming with a rich mix of nutrients that are healthy for plants, topsoil improves nutrient retention. This means that any additional nutrients that you add to your plants will be retained in a more effective manner. 

Improves moisture retention

Evaporation is necessary for the growth of a plant, and topsoil locks in moisture and retains water. It also makes your plants more drought resistant. If your area frequently experiences droughts, good-quality topsoil will make it easier for your plants to survive.

Improves drainage

The nature of topsoil allows it to drain really well. If your plants suffer due to poor drainage, good-grade topsoil is likely to help with this.

Reduction in erosion

Erosion can be detrimental for your plants, especially if it strips crucial nutrients and minerals. Generally, root structures grow and spread well in topsoil, which in turn protects the topsoil itself. 

What Are the Different Types of Topsoil?

Topsoil can be classified into a few structure types. Here’s everything that you need to know:

Sand soil

Sand soils have a higher proportion of sand and traces of clay, making them characteristically dry and light. Due to the nature of this soil, rain is likely to strip it of a lot of nutrients. On the flip side, this soil drains well and is very easy to utilize.

Clay soil

For topsoil to be classified as clay soil, it must be made up of over 25% clay, which makes it heavier and more difficult to use. Since the heavier nature of this soil makes it nutrient-rich, the rain is less likely to wash away the nutrients. On the downside, clay soil usually does not drain well and will remain cold and wet in winter.

Silt soil

As far as the size of particles is concerned, silt soil is somewhere between clay soil and sand soil, allowing it to retain water for a longer period of time. However, this soil does not drain very well.

Peat soil

The origins of peat soil make it highly fertile and rich in organic matter. Since it formed over 9,000 years ago, it contains the nutrients of the many plants that died in melting glaciers. This soil also retains water well, making it suitable for places that are prone to droughts.

Loam soil

Loam soil is very common, and it is often considered a safe option because it’s a mixture of soil, silt and clay. Characteristically, it combines the benefits of all of its components, making it a suitable option with a very wide application. 

What Are the Different Grades of Topsoil?

The grade of topsoil refers to how fine it is. Generally speaking, you will find it categorized into three grades:

Premium grade topsoil

Premium grade topsoil is the finest quality available. It does not contain any weed seeds, metals or diseases. This makes it highly fertile and perfectly suited for young lawns and new plants.

General-purpose grade topsoil

General-purpose grade topsoil is the most common type. It is just fine enough for most projects, and it strikes the right balance between quality and price. It is reasonably rich in nutrients and can be used to lay the base for new beds and young lawns. 

Economy-grade topsoil

Economy-grade topsoil does not go through any screening process. It is supplied in the very form that it is dug out in, and because it is very cheap, this grade is perfectly suited for projects where you need quantity over quality.

Because it is not tested, it’s generally not useful for houseplants. Insects like fungus gnats, for example, will lay their eggs in the soil. If the soil dries out, these eggs will remain dormant until they are rehydrated.

Tips for Buying Topsoil

Here are a few things to keep in mind while buying topsoil for your plants:

• You should check the credentials of the supplier before completing your purchase. This will ensure that you’re getting what you’re paying for. Also, always screen the topsoil for weeds and other contaminants such as brick, glass and metals. 
• The amount of topsoil is usually measured in cubic feet, allowing you to effectively gauge how much is required. If you want a higher quantity, you can purchase it in bulk.
• The topsoil that you get should be 100% organic and filtered for pests. If you purchase topsoil that’s not filtered, you run the risk of your plants being munched away by fungus gnat larvae and other insects that have remained dormant in the soil. 
• To ensure your plants are receiving the right amount of nutrients, be sure to check out the analysis report of the soil. A deficiency of phosphorus, magnesium and potassium can lead to stunted growth. Luckily, these things can be easily solved with a nutrient supplement. If you want to create an at-home remedy, just mix topsoil with compost to create an effective potting mix.