In short, it is where the “magic” happens.
This layer has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms that provide essential support for plants to grow.
But generally speaking, most soils benefit from added topsoil on occasion.
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Topsoil can wash away during rainy seasons or move around during construction projects.
Too many weeds, foot traffic, or exposure to foreign substances can deplete its nutrients.
Tip
For vegetable gardens, most gardeners like adding 1 or 2 inches of fresh topsoil yearly.
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To ensure optimal growing conditions, replenish topsoil as needed.
How Does Topsoil Differ from Garden or Potting Soil?
Generally,topsoil is much heavier than potting soil.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
They can help lighten clay soils when mixed in, and they help grow plants in containers.
Asoil testwill help you determine what your soil needs to be ideal for the plants you want to grow.
Soil tests can help you discern soils texture, composition, drainage, acidity, and mineral density.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Often topsoil reflects the geological nature of its location.
Clay
Some clay soils are so thick they’re used for making clay pottery.
This heavy throw in of soil stays wet and cold in winter but tends to dry out in summer.
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Clay soils are often lacking in proper aeration and drainage.
Silt
Silt is fine textured soil.
It’s normally light in color and retains moisture fairly well.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
It tends to have a neutral pH and be fairly rich in nutrients.
Sand
Sandy soil is light-colored.
It’s usually reasonably low in nutrients and lightweight.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Loam
Loam combines sand, silt, and clayin a medium-textured mixture.
It is dark in color and holds its shape when squeezed together.
Loam is usually either mostly sandy or mostly clay.
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Peat
Peat is lightweightand contains organic matter.
It has excellent drainage.
Some topsoilssold in bulkwill have compost added.
Or you could buy it in bags,usually weighing 20 to 40 lbs.
You may add topsoil into plantings by adding to the holes where shrubs are planted.
You may spread a layer of it over the garden before or after planting.
Spraying down the layer of topsoil lightly with water after you spread it will help fix it in place.
Mix it in with a small spade or trowel.
Depending on your region and climate, it can be March to early June.
Also, killing the beneficial insects in the soil works to the detriment of the soil’s vitality.
Instead of tilling, considertop dressingwithcompostinstead.
How Often to Fertilize
Each plant has different nutrient requirements.
Frequency varies and depends on the particular plant’s care guidelines.
Nutrients can come in the form of fertilizer, compost, or planting in already-rich soil.
Potassium is usually the biggest nutrient supporting flowering and fruiting plants.
It is also good for filling in raised beds or as a nutritional supplement to existing soil.
The earth’s topsoil can change significantly from one area to the next.
It can even be different within the same yard or from one garden bed to another.
