Topsoil vs Garden Soil – JK Enterprise Landscape Supply
Though many of us long for a simpler, less chaotic life, closer to nature and its rhythms, the fact remains that most of us are not farmers. So while you might know the difference between clay and sand, it’s no shame that you don’t know the difference between topsoil and garden soil. Gardening takes time and consistent attention to detail which is why it is necessary to know what type of soil will work best in your garden. That is, no doubt, why you’re reading this article.
Soil Isn’t Just Dirt
Soil is not the same as dirt. “Dirt” is just tiny particles of rock. You get “dirt” when you excavate a basement. Dirt is sterile and only has the capacity to produce a few weeds, which is the last thing you want when forming your garden. Soil is created from mountainous rocks and bedrock being weathered down by wind, rain, and other factors over many centuries. Soil has microorganisms and organic matter that act as multiple ecosystems and have the ability to generate fiber and water which help sustain plant life. Soil detoxifies plants, absorbs carbon from the environment, and recycles nutrients. All of these components of soil work together to generate the healthiest possible plants.
The Difference Between Topsoil and Garden Soil
The difference between topsoil and garden soil is an even finer distinction than the difference between soil and dirt, and it has to do with the amount of organic matter, and to a lesser extent, the types of trace minerals and the ratio of clay, sand and silt. Garden soil is a category of topsoil. Topsoil is general purpose, and if there’s no other extenuating factors, is usually installed in bulk quantities in new construction or landscaping. We’re talking tens or hundreds of cubic yards. That’s because after construction the soil has either been stripped or compacted and basically needs replacing. Generic topsoil is just that — generic, so it’s not meant to be amalgamated with old soil. It’s just added on top in enough quantity to support whatever will be seeded on it. If you want garden soil, however, that usually means you have a little plot somewhere that you want to enrich. For that to work properly, you want to know what type of soil you have.
How to Use Garden Soil
In your existing garden site, you’ll want to determine what kind of soil you have. If it’s sand, the particles will be rather big and the soil is pretty easy to work with, but you have trouble tamping it down. If you have clay soil, the particles are very fine, and you’ll notice that the soil tends to harden to a brick-like consistency. What you will want is soil halfway between the two, which is known as loam. Loam has a good mixture of particle sizes, and it is also a bit fluffy due to the presence of humus, or organic matter (which is usually decomposed leaves and grass). Loam is the unanimous favorite of gardeners around the world as it can serve as an appropriate soil for virtually any type of plant. Annual perennial flowers, various types of shrubs, and vegetables, to name only a few, thrive in loam. Loam is what you’re going for, so if you have clay soil, you’ll want to order a garden soil that’s mostly sand — if it includes a portion of compost, all the better, as that will take care of the humus part of the good soil equation. If you have sandy soil, do the opposite. And if you have loam already, a mixture with equal parts sand-clay-compost will work. Strictly speaking, you don’t have to have compost, but it’s nature’s fertilizer, so you might as well. If you are wondering how to keep your loam healthy, it is always helpful to spread a cover of dead leaves(about one inch thick) above the loam which will keep it healthy. It is especially helpful to do this in the fall months as the leaves will naturally decompose over the winter and leave you with just as, if not more, healthy loam when the following spring comes around. If you have the desire to grow rare and specialized plants, you will not be able to use the garden soil that works for your other plants. But do not worry, you will not have to tear up your entire garden to grow that one plant that you’ve been dying to grow. Rather, you can use raised beds or planters with their own, specialized, soil that can be used to grow those rare crops that can separate your garden from those of your neighbors.
PH levels
Besides finding that perfect loamy soil, it is important to be aware of the pH level of your soil. pH level refers to the amount of acidity in soil. The scale of pH spans from 1.0 to 14.0. Values below 7.0 indicate that your soil is in the acidic range, and pH values above 7.0 indicate that your soil is in the alkaline range. Ideally, your soil will be between 6.0 and 7.0 which is the ideal level of acidity for most flowers and plants. If your pH level, and the level of alkalinity for that matter, is above 7.0, products that contain wood ash and lime will help reduce alkalinity. On the other hand, if your pH level is too low, products that are high in acidity such as sulfur, aluminum sulfate, and urea, can help to raise your soil’s acidity. All in all, it is crucial for your soil to be within the 6.0 to 7.0 range of pH level to produce the best plants you can.
There is no better place to figure out what kind of soil you have and it’s pH level than by taking a sample of your soil into our offices at JK Enterprise where we’ll have a look at your sample and advise you about the best type of garden soil to order for your garden.
