We know there are so many options when it comes to choosing the right soil for your project, it can be downright confusing! But, it is so important to the well-being of your lawn or landscape to choose the right soil for the job. We decided to break this down for you a little further…

• Pulverized Topsoil (BEST FOR SEEDING AND GRADING)
  • Our inventory manager takes great care in purchasing local, quality topsoil with low clay or sand content. Once pulverized at our facility, it is fine and easy to spread. Topsoil will hold his structure once placed, which is the basis for its recommendation to fill holes or bare places in your lawn. If you plan to re-seed your lawn or start fresh, regular topsoil is best for the job!

• Topsoil Plus (BEST FOR PLANTING)
  • We combine our pulverized topsoil and compost in this 50/50 blend! Unique to this mix, the compost will add vital nutrients for your plants and the structural integrity of topsoil will keep the shape of the application over time. Topsoil Plus and other similar topsoil/compost blends are a perfect start for new vegetable or flower beds. Please note- topsoil mixes do not have the same drainage components needed specifically for container plantings!

• Compost (BEST AS AN AMENDMENT)
  • The benefits of compost are endless in your garden or landscape. When mixed in with existing topsoil (we do not recommend planting directly into compost), it will enrich your soil by encouraging the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a nutrient-filled material. Humus helps your soil retain moisture, loosens heavy clay soils to improve aeration and drainage. Composts with high organic content will be the most beneficial! Amending the soil of new planting space with existing topsoil is an ideal application for compost.
  • Please be aware of the “bathtub affect” which occurs when planting in heavy soil. If your soil is not already largely amended, be sure when transplanting to fill in with the same soil the plant is used to, even if it is heavy clay. Many resources suggest adding amendments such as compost to the backfill, but a lighter mix surrounded by heavy clay soil (the norm in Indiana) will result in trapped water and suffocated roots, eventually killing your plant.