Top Tips for Top Soil

Topsoil is the top layer of soil, which is packed with nutrients and organic matter and can be used when making new beds, creating borders or raised beds and as a base for lawns or turf where the existing soil is poor or lacking. We stock a fantastic range of Topsoil and other soil products here at George Davies which is sourced from our carefully selected supplier, a family run business in Norfolk. They have been running for more than 40 years and are committed to manufacturing high quality products and are always looking to improve their techniques. Many people don’t realise the benefits that the use of Topsoil can bring, and using it may appear to be a somewhat arduous activity, but in actual fact the application is fairly easy and can produce great results. We’ve explored our top tips when it comes to Topsoil and other soil products so that you know exactly what you’re getting and how to use it.

Not all soils are the same

There are many different types of soils on the market, each of which are geared towards a specific use, so it’s important to try to ensure that what you’re buying is the best kind for what you’re aiming for. For example, our Ericaceous Soil is suitable for plants that grow well in acidic conditions, so if these are the kind of plants you are looking to nurture, then it’s likely your best bet. However, for enriching the growth of vegetables, we would recommend our Raised Bed Mix. It’s important to make sure that the soil you have selected has the right balance of pH levels and nutrients as these will differ from soil to soil. At the end of the day, it really comes down to the type of garden you are trying to cultivate as to what will best suit your needs. One of our team will be able to provide advice and guidance in terms of what is best suited to you if you find yourself feeling a bit lost.   

How much will I need?

When laying lawn turf, you should be aiming to have a layer of at least 3 – 4 inches of topsoil. At George Davies Turf, our Topsoil is sold in 1 tonne bags. If you are simply putting topsoil onto an already existing lawn, then you can just apply a thin layer which will act as a nutrient rich top dressing. For creating a flower bed or raised bed for growing fruits and vegetables, you will need about 8 inches of topsoil.

Application

Once you’ve selected the right bag for you, applying it to your garden is really simple. You will need to have a rake handy, as the first thing to do is make sure that you have spread it as level and evenly as possible. This will then need to be watered thoroughly to allow the nutrients to penetrate down through the ground to the roots of your grass. Be careful and sparing if following this with a fertiliser as the roots will be vulnerable to damage at this point. If you’re using the soil to create borders or bed, ensure that you dig over the soil that is already there and thoroughly mix this with the soil you have laid. Once these are blended evenly, you can start planting.

Having good soil is a really significant part of keeping a healthy and fruitful garden. Topsoils are important because if they are good quality like ours, they will contain the nutrients required to help your garden thrive, balance the planting environment and promote good drainage during the wetter months. Over time, topsoil can become eroded or depleted, and if you live in a new build, the topsoil may have been stripped completely during the build process. You should be looking at adding Topsoil to your garden each year in order to make up for the nutrients that are lost as a result of being absorbed by plants, especially in fruit and vegetable patches. We are confident that our range of Topsoils and other soil products are both good quality and value for money – you can take a closer look at our full range of soil products here or contact one of our team today and they will be happy to help you.