Uses of Topsoil

Topsoil is the soil on the earth's surface where most vegetation grows. Topsoil contains organic matter consisting of humus, clay, and sand (See References 1). Topsoil is sometimes sold as "loam" at nurseries and garden centers. Because existing topsoil may not meet the requirements needed for what you plan to grow, new topsoil is often purchased.

Vegetable Gardens

Purchased topsoil is used in vegetable gardens when the existing soil is mostly sand or clay. Additionally, topsoil is used in raised bed vegetable gardens (See References 2).

Planting Beds

When planting a flower bed, a few inches of topsoil are laid down so the roots can take hold and flowers will flourish.

Sodding

Topsoil is often used when sodding. It replaces the existing dirt so the lawn will grow in healthy (See References 3).

Athletic Fields

When constructing athletic fields, topsoil is applied before the field is grown. Fertilizer and lime may also be added to the topsoil (See Resources 1).

Golf Courses

There is topsoil mixed specifically for use on golf courses. It has more sand mixed in for drainage (See Resources 2).

References

• Dave's Garden: Topsoil
• Garden Guides: Starting a Vegetable Garden
• Spring Hill Lawn Landscape: Sodding

Resources

• Carolina Green Corp.: Athletic Fields
• Palmer Coking Cole Co.: Golf Course Topsoil

Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of woodley wonderworks