Potting Soil Vs. Topsoil for Annuals
Annuals are plants that grow from seed, attain their growth, flower and produce seed in one year or less, then die. They have a slight root system, as they store no food for future seasons, and they live to bloom quickly. Because of these characteristics, potting soil is better for annuals than topsoil, unless the topsoil is top notch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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Annuals are plants that complete their entire life cycle in one year or less. The word "annual" is derived from the Latin word meaning a year. The Wise Garden Encyclopedia lists three classes of annuals: hardy, which can withstand a light spring frost; half-hardy, which should be started indoors from seed; and tender, which should be started indoors, just as half-hardy, but even earlier. There are annuals that require full sun, shade, dry soil and damp soil.
Top Soil
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Topsoil is the upper layer, usually from six to 10 inches in depth, of normally fertile, arable, loamy soil found in well-cared for gardens or uncultivated, undisturbed fields and pastures. According to The Wise Garden Encyclopedia, topsoil's ability to grow plants is due largely to its humus content and the fact that it is aerated and contains bacteria and other microscopic organisms that give life to soil.
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Potting Soil
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Potting soil usually contains perlite or vermiculite, both lightweight, porous materials. Vermiculite will hold large quantities of air, water and nutrients. Perlite's principal value is aeration. Potting soil is more porous than topsoil, which is good for root aeration and drainage. It should be able to retain water and nutrients. The Montana Master Gardener Handbook recommends sphagnum peat moss be included in the potting soil for flowering annuals.
Considerations
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Because annuals have to hit the ground running, potting soil is usually the best choice. Hardy annuals can be planted in loamy soil into which well-rotted manure has been dmixed the previous fall, but the surface soil should be "so light and fine that the tender seedlings may penetrate it easily," The Wise Garden Encyclopedia says. Both half-hardy and tender annuals need finely sifted soil. Most gardeners use potting soil because topsoil is heavier and can have fungal spores.
Time Frame
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The type of light soil needed by annuals is difficult to find in naturally occurring topsoil, so potting soil should be worked into the garden or containers before planting. Very fine seeds should be pressed into the soil, while larger ones should be covered according to their size. Of course, to really get a head start, start with plants from a reputable nursery or greenhouse.
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References
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