Veseys

Gardeners’ Forum: “Soil for a garden”

• Soil for a garden

  Posted by Leo Fleming on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 11:17 am ADT

  I’ve moved into a new house that has a big stand of trees in the front yard that I was thinking of turning into a really big flower bed. I’m looking at purchasing some soil and some of these places have specialty “garden” soil (mixtures of compost, soil and whatnot) that is better than regular topsoil. Of course, the garden soil costs a lot more than the topsoil. If I were to lay a couple inches of topsoil and then top if with the garden soil, would this still give me the desired end result? Or would it be pretty pointless to include the garden soil if I’m only laying an inch or two on top of the topsoil?

  • re: Soil for a garden

    Posted by peihobby on Sunday, August 12, 2007 1:20 pm ADT

    It eoends on the type of plants you want to grow but for the most part as long as the "garden" soil is good quality you could simple till noth "soils" together. What type of trees in in this spot because that makes a difference beause of acidity.

  • re: Soil for a garden

    Posted by luanne on Sunday, August 12, 2007 5:16 pm ADT

    hi Leo...we're not experts..just happy gardeners, on top of the topsoil, I'd add at least 6 to 8 inches of the GOOD garden mix, it is worth every penny , an investment towards good future gardens..We also use bone meal with every thing we plant..and LOTS of mulch on top..doesn't need to be the fancy stuuff..but cuts back on watering, weeding, and encourages the worms to help keep it healthy! Good luck.