It is better to water the topsoil deeply and less frequently rather than more frequent shallow waterings. Most plants with their roots in the topsoil will benefit from this soil management approach and it will help the roots grow stronger and healthier.
For the first 20 days, water as needed to keep the topsoil moist to a 3-inch depth. Do not allow the lawn to become soggy or let water pond. After 20 days, water three or more times a week during warm weather. In cooler weather, water once or twice a week.
Supplying at least two inches of water for the topsoil's first drink allows it to effectively disperse the fresh nutrients it has into your existing soil. If you're going to add a fertilizer to your lawn after putting a new layer of topsoil down, be sure you don't overdo it.
You certainly can use topsoil for potted plants, but that doesn't mean you should. If you do, your plant probably won't get the nutrients it needs, won't grow at the rate you expect and will be likely to die sooner. The best topsoil for vegetable gardens may not be topsoil at all.
In the last few decades, soil degradation has been sped up by intensive farming practices like deforestation, overgrazing, intensive cultivation, forest fires and construction work. These actions disturb soil and leave it vulnerable to wind and water erosion, which damages the complex systems underneath.
Bagged topsoil can last for up to 8 years when stored properly. However, it needs to be amended with fertilizer or compost when applied to gardens. This helps enrich the soil with nutrients and organic material, creating a supportive environment for plant roots.
Soil Depth is Crucial
Topsoil is typically thought of as the top 6 inches of soil. We recommend adding at least 2 to 3+ inches of topsoil and rototilling it 2 to 3+ inches into the existing dirt to get the recommended 6 inches depth.
To start off you will need to clear the existing area before laying down your new soil. Then lightly turn over approximately the top 5 inches of the existing soil, this will loosen the ground and help make sure you get the best from your new topsoil.
Topsoil Can Help Care for Flower and Garden Beds
One of the best ways to replenish the nutrients that your plants crave is through a fresh layer of topsoil. As mentioned before, topsoil features decomposed plant matter (or organic matter) which helps to nourish your plants.
You'll be able to tell if your plant needs watering by observing the dryness of the soil surface, as well more accurate techniques like poking your finger in the soil and picking pots up to determine their weight. You can also use a moisture sensor to quickly and accurately check soil moisture levels.
You can apply topsoil anytime, but most gardeners like to add it in spring before planting. In the fall, it may also be added as a top dressing that will allow nutrients to break down into the soil.
Usually, 8 inches of topsoil is needed to fill a new garden bed or raised bed. If you intend to add topsoil to your lawn, you will need approximately 4-6 inches of topsoil to give you the healthy lawn you desire.
It can take 500 to 1,000 years for one inch of topsoil (the upper layer of soil containing the most organic matter and microorganisms) to form through the interaction of bedrock, climate, topography, and living organisms.
Early spring is an excellent time to lay topsoil for both your lawn and garden. The soil is typically thawed, and temperatures are beginning to rise. This period is ideal because: The soil is often moist and workable after the winter season, making it easier to spread and level topsoil.
Although it's possible for grass to grow through the topsoil, this can only be successful depending on the thickness of topsoil applied as a top dressing. Please note that before applying topsoil over existing grass, you will need to mow the turf first.
Any time you stir up soil and water it, you'll get weeds – even if added soil was "clean." Weed seeds are typically throughout topsoil, and it's when they're brought close to the surface and watered that they germinate.
Rich topsoil is as beneficial for new grass as it is for old. Few people realize they can significantly boost the health of their lawn by carefully adding new topsoil. If you simply pile the soil on, you can kill the grass.
If you're looking to add topsoil to a garden bed, you'll want to buy enough soil to add at least a 2-inch layer. To install a new lawn, plan to spread a layer of 3 to 6 inches of topsoil before sowing seed or laying sod, depending on the quality of your existing soil.
Enter the area to be covered and the desired thickness, and we'll tell you how much topsoil you need. Lawns: The recommended depth of topsoil for creating lawns from turf or seed is 4 to 6 inches. General: 6 to 9 inches of soil is usually sufficient for most planting.
Topsoils can vary in screening sizes, therefore some topsoils may be denser than others. Generally speaking, 1 tonne of topsoil will cover 0.63 cubic metres or 22 cubic feet or 0.81 cubic yards. Our bags of topsoil come in sizes of 0.75m³, meaning you'll get just over a tonne of soil per bag!
Heavy rain can sometimes wash away topsoil, exposing the roots of your turf. If this is the case, replace any lost soil to cover roots completely.
Tips on Storing Topsoil and Compost
Rain will both erode the topsoil and leech away nutrients. For long term storage, compacting the top layer of the pile will help against erosion, though the use of a tarp is still recommended.
Using Ground Cover
Planting vegetation is one of the key methods for preventing topsoil erosion. Not only do you get a lush covering of plants on your garden or land, but you also gain a complex root system. This underground network can do a great job of holding your soil together to help it retain nutrients.