- Topsoil provides new lawn sod or grass seeds with the right conditions for successful growth. Topsoil usually has the right pH level, plenty of fertile organic matter and the best texture for grass roots to thrive. Ideal topsoil depth for most lawns is 4 to 6 inches, according to Thomas Kowalsick at the University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program. If the topsoil is too shallow, the roots may grow down into less suitable soil or water may not reach the lowest roots.
- Wooden or plastic structures used to create growing areas above ground level are known as raised beds. These particularly suit gardens with shallow, badly draining or poor quality soil. Raised beds also work well in smaller urban gardens where compact growing boxes make life a little easier. Purchasing topsoil to fill these raised beds allows you to have a suitable growing medium for flowers and vegetables. Topsoil tends to be quite expensive, so topsoil may not be used to fill the entire raised bed to the brim.
- Vegetable gardens, flower beds, new areas for shrubs and trees -- all of these projects suit topsoil usage. However, when using topsoil, it's not advisable to get rid of all of your existing garden soil. Mix topsoil as much as possible with the general garden soil to avoid creating different soil layers for plant roots. This step helps water and nutrients move easily through the soil, rather than become trapped in different soil layers.
- Dawn Pettinelli at the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension suggests several things to look out for when purchasing topsoil. Ideal topsoil is dark and crumbly with a light loam texture. Light-colored soil tends to contain less nutrients. Sticky clay soil often drains badly or is too compressed for root growth. Sandy topsoil doesn't hold water. The best topsoil has at least two percent organic material, such as manure or compost. However, soil with more than 10 percent organic matter may be too nitrogen-rich for some plants or may stick together.
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