Lawn and Garden Essentials: What is Topsoil?

Soil is where the worms live and what makes the plants grow. Soil is soil. Thinking too deeply into it would be making a mountain out of a molehill, right? Well, did you know in the U.S. alone there are more than 70,000 different types of soil? While we won’t be going over all 70,000 soil types here, this article will help explain the basics as well as the different categories and applications of soils when it comes to your garden or landscape.

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What is Topsoil?

Most might think of soil and dirt as interchangeable and simply the earth beneath our feet. However, there are key distinctions between the two that you should be knowledgeable of before planning your project:

Dirt: Put simply, ‘dirt’ is a broad term for the loose materials that comprise the upper layer of the earth’s surface that is typically lacking in the organic content necessary for growing things.

Soil: Soil, generally, is the uppermost layer of the earth’s surface that contains the nutrients needed to support life. The composition of soils can vary greatly based on the climate and geography of the region - with each soil type differing in makeups of clay, sand and silt.

Knowing the soil and dirt products available to you, as well as the amount of material required, can help you determine what your landscape needs most and will make all the difference in taking the right path toward completing a quality project.

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Types of Soil

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or not, chances are you’re at least somewhat familiar with topsoil. Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil about 5 to 10 inches into the ground that is often the most nutrient-rich and where plant roots take hold. Unlike dirt, it will retain moisture and is capable of growing things, though dirt and topsoil can be used similarly for leveling lawns, gardens and other landscapes.

As previously mentioned, topsoils can vary greatly by the climate and topography of the region, and not all are created equal. Topsoils can appear black, brown, reddish, or earthy tan depending on its sand, silt and clay content, and it can also come screened or unscreened when purchasing from suppliers.

Soil and Dirt Products

Uses for Topsoil

Topsoil is of course most commonly used for gardenings and landscaping purposes. It can be used to fill flower beds, garden boxes, repair damaged or patchy lawns, improve drainage issues, and can be mixed with mulch to improve water retention for plant growth. If your lawn is in dire need of a refresh after a long winter or rough weather, a new layer of topsoil can also instantly enhance the health and look of the lawn. It is important to note that certain projects call for certain soils though, and it is recommended once again that you consult an experienced contractor or landscaper before breaking ground.

Other types of soils

While there are countless other soils, composts and landscapers mixes offered on the market in the landscaping industry, here are just a few of many products offered right here on Gravelshop.com:

What is Potting Soil?

Often confused with standard topsoil - ‘Potting Soil’ or ‘Potting Mix’ is specially produced for raised garden beds, potted plants, vegetables and flower beds. It typically contains ground up organic material and is more fertile for plant growth. It is also more expensive than topsoil and needs to drain well and be kept aerated for best use. For larger scale projects, a ‘Garden Mix’ or ‘Soil Compost Mix’ is more cost-effective than potting soil and will still contain a combination of shredded mulch, composts and other nutritional additives if you are in need of an enhanced garden soil.

Potting Soil Garden Mix

What is Sandy Loam?

‘Sandy Loam’ is a highly desirable type of soil amongst gardeners, homeowners and landscapers alike due to its healthy balance of sand, silt and clay. Its high sand content allows water to pass through the soil more easily to reach the deep roots of your sod layer or lawn. It is also a popular choice for planting flower and vegetable gardens that require soils that won’t set hard or repel water. Sandy loam can sometimes contain small rocks, roots and other organic materials, and is not always readily available in certain regions and climate types. It may also sometimes be mixed with compost, manures or other additives to enhance water retention.

Sandy Loam

Knowing the basics of topsoil can help you make an informed and cost-effective decision for your lawn and gardening needs. As always, it is recommended that you first speak with an experienced gardener or landscaper before taking on any advanced or large-scale projects. Once you’ve done this, let Gravelshop advise you of the products available in your area and deliver what your lawn and plants crave!