Topsoil is the layer of soil that plants use to get the nutrients that they require for optimal growth. As raised beds become more popular, gardeners are increasingly wondering which type of topsoil will work best for their needs and how to best prepare the garden space. Topsoil is mixed to create optimal blends for lawn, flowers and vegetables, as well as indoor plants. It is important to select one with the correct composition to get a significant yield of flowers or vegetables in a raised garden bed.
Preparing Topsoil For a Raised Vegetable or Flower Garden
A good quality topsoil that is clearly labeled for vegetables or flowers is your best choice. Topsoil is dirt plus decayed organic material. In general, it will be darker in appearance than the soil that it is placed on. To enhance the fertility within the soil, be sure to add manure or compost for additional nutrients. The topsoil that you purchase may have added sand to allow more rapid water drainage or clay to absorb moisture and keep the growing area moist. Before you settle on a type of soil to add to your garden, do a soil test to find out which type of topsoil will work best. When existing soils are very sandy, add a topsoil with extra clay and vice verse when the soil in the container is heavier with clay.
Preparing the Raised Bed For Top Soil
Before you start looking for topsoil in Tacoma, you’ll need to turn over the soil in your garden. Make sure that you thoroughly weed the existing soil. Take special pains to remove existing roots from the planting area. Starting with a weed-free area means that your raised garden beds will be easier to maintain in the future. Add the top soil, manure or compost, and any additional additives to the bed and mix them with the weeded dirt at the base of your bed. It is important these components are well mixed to eliminate either too much fertilizer or too little in a single area.
Once you’ve placed your plants, consider adding a layer of mulch to the top. This can be clipped grass or another organic material. This final layer will help to keep moisture in the bed, reduce weeds, and add nutrition to the soil as it decays. The Topsoil in Tacoma that you purchase will help you create a fertile environment.