If you are new to landscaping, deciding what soil you need for different projects can be daunting. There are literally dozens upon dozens of soils you can buy, mix and use. Although advanced gardeners may like to create their own soil mixes, many supply companies have excellent pre-made mixes that will are specially designed for different projects.
Topsoil is the main ingredient for almost any landscaping project. Simply, topsoil is healthy soil with all the rocks, sticks and other debris removed.This basic building block is what is used to aid in planting and leveling yards and gardens. Although basic topsoil does not contain fertilizer, by adding it to your existing soil that may be depleted in nutrients, it can foster a healthier lawn or garden.
If you are looking for soil for planting flowers, shrubs or perennial gardens, you want a mix that is blended for these types of plants. Many will have a combination of mulch, sand and topsoil to give the right blend of nutrients and water holding stability to make your flower gardens flourish. Look for soil combinations that specifically say they are flower mixes.
There are also soil blends that are tailored for specific purposes such as filling retention ponds. This soil needs to act as a filter for contaminants and will be specially mixed bio soils. Make sure you find a landscape supplier that has the correct mix for your retention pond needs.
Creating a beautiful lawn and garden does not need to take a chemistry or geology degree. Most beginners will find that they only need a few types of soils and soil mixes that are already pre-made for them at their local landscape suppliers.
