If you’ve just started out on your very first gardening adventure—congratulations! Gardening is one of the most rewarding experiences; whether you choose to grow your own herbs, vegetables, and fruits or stick to gorgeous perennials and annuals, gardening truly brings your landscape to life.
One of the most common questions we get asked is what soil to use for gardening—and that’s certainly a good place to start when learning the basics. Soil types can be a bit confusing when you’re just starting, but we’re here to help! Read on for a full account of what the difference is between garden soil and topsoil.
Gardening Basics: Is Garden Soil the Same as Topsoil?
While they have their similarities, garden soil is not the same as topsoil. Topsoil, as the name implies, is the very top layer of soil. Topsoil is dense with minerals and organic matter, which gives it a much darker color than other gardening soils. Some might argue that topsoil is the most valuable soil layer in your garden.
Garden soil is used as an additive to replenish the nutrients and organic materials in your garden. This type of soil typically consists of a basic mixture of compost and fertilizer and is key to successful gardening. Add fresh garden soil after every planting season to prepare for gardening in the following year. This will help ensure your garden has enough nutrients to feed your plants and achieve optimal growth.
As a beginner gardener, starting at the basics means starting with your gardening soil. It’s a wise decision to do a soil test first to learn the type of soil you’re working with and immediately see what your soil lacks. You can do a soil test yourself by purchasing a soil sample kit or have it done by professionals.
Gardening Basics: Where to Start with Your Soil
After you test your soil, it’s time to set up your garden! When picking the ideal spot in your landscape for your new garden, consider how much sunlight it gets, whether there are natural protective barriers against the wind, and of course, the soil quality. Once you’ve chosen the perfect location for your new garden, till the ground and add your high-quality garden soil. This will help break up any compacted soil and work in fresh nutrients and minerals to give your plants a nice, healthy home to grow in.
Add a layer of organically-rich topsoil at least three inches thick in the spring or fall. It is not necessary to add topsoil to your garden often, but rather to increase soil volume if, over time, you notice that soil in your garden has eroded away. Another great use for topsoil is filling in gaps or holes in your lawn and the rest of your landscape.
While learning about different soil types is a good first step in gardening basics, there’s still plenty more to learn! For further inquiries about all things gardening and landscape-related, stop in and visit our beautiful garden center. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to discuss their passion, and they can help you pick out the exact type of soil to best suit your basic needs!
