Are You Using Local Soil for Your Landscaping and Garden?

Do you know where the soil you buy for your landscaping and gardening projects is from? You may wonder if it matters. While top soil for paving projects may not make a difference, when it comes to planting in your backyard, the soil you buy can impact the health of your plants. Here are a few reasons that buying local top soil can make a difference in your landscaping.

Native Plants Thrive in Native Soil

The soil from the Midwest is different than the soil in the Southeast or on the West Coast. It is not just the climate that is different in these regions; the soils are different as well. Some plants prefer sandy soil, while others do better in denser soils that retain moisture. When you buy bagged soil or top soil from a landscape supplier, it is important to know where that soil is from if you will be using it for planting.

Local soil may be best for native plants, having the right density and pH balance. For planting, look for landscape supplier that offers local top soil that is mixed with composted top soil to add the organic materials needed for healthy plant growth. Local top soil is also perfect for creating the soil layer for sod planting and other leveling projects.

Not all top soil is the same and not all plants need the same type of soil. When planning your garden and landscaping projects, start with the right top soil from a quality landscape supplier. Talk to the experts on whether local soil will be better for your planting needs and what types of soils they offer to give you the best results in your yard.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

What Is Topsoil, Anyway?

When shopping at your local landscape supply store, one of the most common items you will encounter is a wide variety of soils. It can be daunting for the new gardener to determine which soil is best for different gardening applications. Among all the varieties of dirt and fertilizer available, you will undoubtedly see many types of topsoil. You may be wondering what topsoil is, and how it’s used in landscaping design. Here are basics about topsoil, and how to choose the best one for your project. 

Topsoil 101

In a nutshell, topsoil is healthy soil which is free from rocks, sticks and other debris. As the name states, this soil is used to cover the top of gardens and planting areas. It can also be used in planters, for seeding lawns and in a vast array of landscaping projects. However, there are different types and levels of quality which you should look for in topsoil, depending on how you intend for it to be used. 

  • Mix – Topsoil comes in a variety of mixes which are used for different applications. For garden planting, a mixed topsoil can provide the best attributes for fostering growth in large areas. For potting plants or small enclosed flower beds, you may want to go with mixes specifically designed for planters or potting, designed for plants with minor depth.
  • Quality – Picking a good quality topsoil can be difficult if you are new to gardening. For use in planting, you want a dark, rich soil that is heavy in nutrients. Talk to your local landscape supply store experts to find the topsoil with the best ingredients and pH balance for your project. 

Topsoil is one of the most important aspects of new planting, and vital to maintaining the health of your plants. It can add nutrients to old, depleted soil and give new plants or seed the right environment to grow. Before buying topsoil, talk to your landscape expert to ensure you get the right variety for your needs.

Posted on behalf of Clayton Hulen, Green Brothers Earth Works

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Tips For Buying Planting Soil

As spring approaches, thoughts turn to planting flowers and plants in your garden or yard. Depending on what you are planting and where, you will most likely also need some soil to add to your existing flowerbeds, potted plants or garden to enhance the nutrient content. There are many different types of soil and compositions that can be used but to get the best results, you want to make sure you are buying the correct soil for your planting needs. 

Soil Factors To Consider

There are many different kinds of soil but there are also types of compositions to consider. The soil you would buy for a potted plant that you intend to transplant later into your garden will differ from the soil you would buy for your flower garden. When looking at soil, three types are common among the choices: 

–          Organic and non-organic. Organic soil contains organisms that adds nutrients to the soil and can be used over and over again. This is best for gardens or soil that will be re-used. Non-organic soil is fortified with fertilizer and other nutrients that are added, but will be depleted after one season. 

–          Soil weight. The weight of the soil determines how much moisture it will hold. Most plants in direct sun will need a medium weight soil to hold moisture, where plants in the shade can use a lighter weight. 

–          Fertilizer. The type of fertilizer that is best for plants differs greatly. Make sure to read instructions on soils containing fertilizer on feeding instructions or consult your landscape supply store. 

Getting the right soil can make all the difference when planting. Once you choose your plants, make sure you also choose the right soil that will help them flourish.