Starting a garden is a lot of fun and something that anyone can do. There are a lot of important variables to consider when doing so. Like most science ventures, there is a lot of trial and error involved in gardening, and typically the best way to learn is by engaging in hands-on experience. Even so, doing your research ahead of time can help you avoid common mistakes and learn about gardening in your specific location.
Whether you’re gardening on a large scale, or simply keeping a personal backyard plot, there are a few universal rules that every green thumb should follow, starting with picking the right type of soil. Choosing the right type of soil is the key to building a strong foundation for your garden, and something that will help ensure long-term success. But how do you know which soil to choose? There are so many options available that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You can begin to narrow your search by choosing a soil that compliments your location, layout, and the type of plants you’ll be caring for.
Breaking Down the Anatomy of Soil
Choose the right type of soil, it helps considerably to understand soil on a fundamental level. Soil is the upper layer of the earth that may be dug or plowed and in which plants grow. It is the very basis of growing plant life, and in many cases, the soil readily available to you will serve as a good foundation.
Topsoil, on the other hand, signifies the top layer of the soil. It is the soil at the surface and can often include organic material. As a result, choosing a proper topsoil is a good way to help ensure success.
Choosing the Right Topsoil: Location, Location, Location
Location is crucial, on both a large scale and a small scale. Sometimes the best thing you can do when picking a topsoil is to visit your local gardening supply store and talk to someone who can point out the best mixes and types of mixes. Someone in your vicinity will be knowledgeable about the area, providing you with specialized information geared toward the characteristics of your location. This is part of what we do every day at Andolina Materials in Charlotte, North Carolina. Educating customers about different types of topsoil, and subsequently helping them choose the right product.
The other element of location to consider is the layout of your garden and where you’ve chosen to plant. Topsoil, in particular, is often ideal for raised plant beds. However, it can also be used to “fill in the blanks” if you find that certain areas of your garden or landscape are lacking in coverage. Topsoil can effectively “bulk up” patchy areas and revitalize surrounding plant life.
Benefits of Choosing Topsoil
Now that you understand the uses behind topsoil, let’s discuss more of its benefits. After all, regardless of its general affordability, why implement topsoil if it’s not going to benefit your garden in some way? Topsoil has many obvious benefits, but there are quite a few to consider, including:
- Enhance existing soil: Just because plant life can grow, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily prospering. Topsoil can help revitalize areas where the soil is lacking by adding much-needed nutrients to the mix.
- Universally Useful: Topsoil is not designed with any one plant or vegetable in mind, meaning it can be used for all types of plant life. Its universal nature also makes it economically viable and often a lot less expensive than specified soils. Topsoil is a way to enhance your garden without breaking the bank.
- Manages Water: Watering a garden can be a tricky fete. On the one hand, many plants require a lot of water to flourish, but on the other hand, too much water can be detrimental. Topsoil is a good regulator because it can help retain water during droughts, while also maintaining its well-draining nature. Often it can be added to soil that isn’t particularly apt at draining, helping to increase general aeration.
- Visually Appealing: Topsoil can easily be added to areas that are lacking in coverage. This might look like a patchy portion of grass or places that are lowered and damaged. Topsoil is easily installed and can add both a visual and pragmatic edge to your garden. It’s often far more economical than the alternative methods.
- Healthy Plant Growth: Ultimately, we all want flourishing plants in our gardens, green, lush, and multiplying. Due to topsoil’s nature to retain water, plants are well-conditioned and able to grow healthy and strong.
Common Topsoil Mistakes to Avoid
Although finding a suitable topsoil isn’t extremely difficult, there are still some guidelines you should consider when choosing a mixture. This can help prevent issues in the future and help you avoid common mistakes.
Despite topsoil being suitable for all types of plants, it does vary in pH level which can affect what you’re trying to grow. Some plants will favor topsoil with a certain pH level. If you’re growing something in particular, it’s decidedly worth choosing a proper blend, based on pH level.
People often think that topsoil will eliminate the need for other additives like fertilizer. While it’s true that fertilizer is not always necessary for success, it can be extremely helpful. Depending on what you’re growing, don’t rule it out entirely just because you’ve used topsoil.
Buy Topsoil from a Reputable Garden Supply Store
Don’t be afraid to ask the employees of your local gardening supply store questions. At Andolina Materials in Charlotte, North Carolina, we regularly help our customers find the right type of product, while also attending to any questions they may have.
Starting a garden is relatively simple but cultivating that garden’s growth and sustaining its success is a whole other ball game. It might seem a bit intimidating at first, but choosing the right top soil Charlotte NC can significantly increase your chances of raising a prosperous and flourishing garden.
To learn more about our high-quality top soil Charlotte and explore our wide range of landscape supply and delivery options, visit our website at https://andolinamaterials.com or give us a call today at (704) 882-1610. Andolina Materials is here to assist you with all your material needs!
