How to Find Good Topsoil

If your garden soil is poor or has been removed during home construction, you can purchase new topsoil ideal for growing plants. Or use topsoil as an ingredient in soil mixes for containers or raised beds.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rototillers

1. Look in the yellow pages under Topsoil or Soil to locate bulk suppliers. Nurseries and garden centers may carry small quantities.

2. Visit the supplier to check quality and origin. Avoid topsoil that comes from weedy areas or from places where the soil may be contaminated with toxic chemicals. Avoid topsoil that is full of debris.

3. Select topsoil that is similar in texture to your existing soil or to that commonly found in your area.

4. Order enough topsoil to cover planting area 3 to 6 inches deep. You need 3 cubic yards of topsoil to cover 1000 square feet to a depth of 1 inch.

5. If possible, till your existing soil prior to spreading the topsoil.

6. Have supplier deliver the topsoil and, if possible, roughly spread it.

Tips & Warnings

• If your existing soil is really bad (like cement) or you live on sloping ground, consult a landscape contractor for advice prior to purchasing topsoil.
• If your existing soil is workable enough to be tilled, instead of buying topsoil, consider working in 3 to 4 inches of organic matter such as compost or ground bark.
• If you are buying a lot of topsoil, have it tested first (see related eHow) to check nutrient levels and pH.
• Spreading topsoil can aggravate problems with drainage and water runoff. Make sure that you provide for proper drainage and that the grade slopes away from your home. Consult a landscape contractor if you need help.

[bigmoe66]

on 9/3/2009 look at this site www.selectmaterialscom.moonfruit.com
for some topsoil answers

[landscapingnj]

on 7/22/2009 Great post. I found the following topsoil calculator very helpful. You could calculate multiple areas at once. http://www.ataktrucking.com/materials-calculator/topsoil-calculator

[landscaperpro]

on 5/23/2007 Excellent advice. If you are trying to figure out how much topsoil to buy. The topsoil calculator at www.1800topsoil.com mikes it a cinch.