When it comes to caring for your outdoor space, it's important that you have the right tools on hand to get the job done. Perhaps the most essential tools at your disposal is topsoil. Topsoil can be used in a variety of ways to improve the overall health and quality of your garden and lawn. Whether you're a rookie gardener or landscaping connoisseur, there's never a bad time to learn about topsoil uses and how topsoil can paly a role in your outdoor space.
Before we dive into topsoil uses, it may be beneficial to discuss what topsoil is. As the term indicates, topsoil is the top layer of dirt found in the first 5-6 inches of the ground. Its a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. It's preferred by gardeners and landscapers because its extremely nutrient-dense, mineral-dense and filled with organic matter. Oftentimes, it can be accompanied by mulch.
Now that we've established what topsoil is and why it's so important, let's take a look at 5 topsoil uses to consider for your lawn and garden.
Topsoil Uses Can Include Fixing Uneven and Patchy Lawns
Due to a variety of factors, It's not uncommon to notice patches of your lawn where grass isn't growing well. 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 seed and till the soil to combine. Water the area daily.
To fix areas of your yard that are uneven, spread soil so it is a couple inches deep. Level the area and care for it as normal. The grass underneath will grow through and eventually the depression will be unnoticeable.
Topsoil Can Help Care for Flowers and Garden Beds
Plants and flowers draw their nutrients from the dirt they live in. However, its often necessary to replenish these nutrients, especially if your garden endured a long winter. 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. Mix the soil with compost for additional nutrients.
To incorporate new topsoil, evenly spread the soil across the bed and till the area to combine the old with the new. Finish by adding another layer of topsoil to the top of the bed. Once your plants have taken root, top off your garden with some mulch. There are many benefits of mulch, but when it comes to a freshly planted garden, mulch is a great choice because it holds in moisture and slows the growth of weeds.
Topsoil Uses Also Include Improving Drainage
If you're noticing puddles of water in your garden, it may be time for some new topsoil. Drainage issues often occur when soil is densely packed, and water is unable to seep down into the soil. To improve drainage, add a sandy topsoil to the affected area. Till the new and old soils together until its about 12 inches deep. This will help break up the packed soil and improve circulation and drainage around the roots of your plants.
Topsoil Can Help Install a Garden Where There Isn't One
Flower gardens are an easy and beautiful way to change up the look and feel of your outdoor living space. If you're looking to build a garden from scratch in an area of your yard that is currently covered in grass, make sure you have some topsoil on hand. The options are endless and the process can be pretty simple.
Determine where you would like the flower bed to be and cover this area with several layers of newspaper. Spread a few inches of topsoil mixed with compost over the newspaper and add water. In a couple months, the newspaper and grass beneath will decompose and the area will be ready for plant life.
Topsoil Can Refresh the Appearance of Your Lawn and Garden
While mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, and planting new flowers are all great ways to clean up your backyard, adding new topsoil to a space can instantly refresh the look of your garden and backyard. Nutrients and organic matter give topsoil its rich dark color, but a long winter and unfavorable weather can strip the soil of these resulting in a dull, worn look. Add a fresh layer of topsoil to any garden to instantly enhance the overall appearance.
If you're looking to do any sort of garden work, be sure to contact us to learn more about your soil options and topsoil uses. Weather you're looking to enhance the health of your plants, repair your yard, or upgrade the appearance of your space, we're here to offer our expert advice on any project.