Spring is here, and you’re giddy with anticipation at the thought of all those #GardenGoals you plan on tackling.
But then doubts set in: What type of soil do you need, and how much? How do you know whether to use topsoil, garden soil, or compost? Unfortunately, using the wrong soil can set your gardening or landscaping project up for failure.
To avoid this, it’s important to understand the difference between them and how they should be applied, starting with topsoil. Here are some key things to know before you take on your next project.
In simple terms, topsoil is the first ten inches or so of soil you’ll find underneath grass or plants. This top layer of soil is rich in nutrients and is considered a valuable resource for planting. It typically has higher concentrations of beneficial microorganisms and is where most of the biological activity happens.
It’s also where plants derive their nutrients and moisture, so without a healthy layer of topsoil your plants will struggle to thrive. You can easily buy screened topsoil at your local gardening or landscaping supply store. It works great as a general all-purpose soil for planting grass and filling up bare patches in the yard. It can also be used for plant beds and grading projects.
If you only need to fill in some garden beds or patches in the lawn, you can likely get away with one bag of topsoil. For bigger projects that require a truck delivery, landscape products are usually sold by the cubic yard.
When planning how much topsoil you need, make sure to measure the length, width, and depth of the area you’ll be filling with topsoil. A yard of topsoil is equal to 27 cubic feet, and how you apply it will determine how far that amount will go. Spreading it in a thinner application over the area will make it go farther than a thicker application, for example.
Topsoil and compost are similar in that they both provide essential nutrients and are used for filling, but there are some slight differences. When considering which one to use, it’s important to think about your end goals and what you hope to accomplish.
For instance, if you need to fill in large areas of space, then topsoil is best. But if your objective is to revive some potted plants or flowers, then compost is perfect for the job. Topsoil is generally cheaper than compost and is considered a more versatile soil because it can be used for a wider variety of projects.
Circle M is the leading Spokane landscaping supply company offering topsoil delivery that’s fast, easy, and convenient. Whether you’re a homeowner, business, or contractor, our team of knowledgeable experts will help you choose the right soil for your needs. We offer only the highest-quality fill dirt, topsoil, and compost in Spokane with the best rates in town. Give us a call today!
