For vegetable gardens, most gardeners like adding 1 or 2 inches of fresh topsoil yearly. The practice of crop rotation is intended to benefit topsoil retention and prevent soil erosion or depletion of nutrients by changing the types of plants or crops grown every season.
Those nutrients usually need to be replenished every so often for the healthiest growth, no matter which type of soil you have. This is especially true for the soil where you grow annual flowers and vegetables, which suck up a lot of nutrients to fuel their rapid growth.
In general, use potting soil for container gardening, garden soil for planting in flower or vegetable beds (you have to mix it with existing soil), and topsoil for larger projects or if your lawn or garden is in need of greater soil volume (for instance, if there's been soil erosion from strong winds or heavy rains).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top it off: If the level of soil has dropped, add fresh planting mix also known as potting mix. Ideally, the soil comes to within an inch or so of the rim of the planter or raised bed. Use a fork or hand tool to blend the new soil into the old soil. Blend new soil into the old soil.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ideally, we think it's best to consider replenishing the soil betwen each season i.e. after every Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer harvest; however, if you can only do it once a year that's alright too.
Many think that putting topsoil over the seeds would protect it, but in fact, that will actually suffocate the seedlings rather than doing any good. We suggest that straw, hay, or any other type of mulching material be used.
But why is having too much soil in your soil a bad thing? Starting with the most obvious; it's just hard – too hard for roots to grow. At the conference, there was some marvellous time-lapse photography of roots growing through soils at various degrees of compaction.
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.
Topsoil costs vary depending on your location. You can generally expect to pay between $10 and $50 per cubic yard of topsoil, including delivery. If you live in a rural area, you may be able to find topsoil for as little as $10 per cubic yard.
Topsoil helps protect the roots of plants by locking in moisture that is already drained into the soil. Topsoil ensures there is more water for your plants because it prevents evaporation, so even during periods of little rainfall, your plants can have the moisture they need.
Do not use topsoil alone in containers. It can become compacted and saturated with water limiting air space that is important for healthy plant growth. Topsoil is occasionally added to potting mixes in large containers for increased moisture-holding and added weight needed to support large plants.
Use compost. Whether you make it at home or use a service, compost is a great way to add life back to your soil. As a bonus, it also prevents green waste from going to a landfill, which reduces your waste footprint and prevents the generation of harmful methane gas.
Topsoil Uses Can Include Fixing Uneven and Patchy Lawns
You may even notice areas of your yard that are slightly uneven. Topsoil is a great remedy for both problems. To grow grass, simply spread topsoil across the area so it is 1 inch deep. Evenly distribute grass seeds and till the soil to combine.
If you are planning gardening or a landscaping project, it is essential to understand the difference between topsoil and lawn soil. Topsoil is a general term for any soil used as a loose, upper layer of soil in a garden bed, whereas lawn soil is often made of specially blended nutrients optimized for grass growth.
Top dressing a lawn is best done during the growing season which is when your lawn is getting mown weekly, typically this is during late Spring/early Summer. Top dressing a lawn should only be done when the grass is actively growing.