Topsoil is a substance that provides the basic nutrition needed for plants to grow and thrive. When used as a garden fertilizer, it helps the plants to establish and grow without the use of fertilizers and other chemicals. In addition, it serves as a natural condition for the root zone of the soil, enabling the plants to absorb nutrients from the soil and distribute them evenly throughout the soil. Topsoil is also used to fill in bare areas around the home, as well as to provide a good base for planting grass seed or laying sod, or to give a firm foundation for planting bulbs, such as sunflowers or azaleas. Whether you’re looking for ways to incorporate this organic matter into your landscaping or planting beds, here are some ideas for using topsoil in your landscaping with flowers.
Plant Flowers When you are landscaping with flowers, it’s best to start with a clean-cut flower landscape. Since the dirt that will be used to plant the flowers will eventually become the same color as the topsoil, it will be important to choose flower plants that will be able to survive in the area without becoming stained by the topsoil, as well as one that can tolerate its coloration. One way to test whether a flower will do well in a given landscaping design is to plant a few flowers next to a section of topsoil that is similar in color but is lighter in tone. If all of the flowers grow successfully, then the topsoil is a good place for the flower to begin its development, and if it doesn’t survive, then you know you have a problem.
Fertilize With Topsoil Another advantage of flower gardens with topsoil is that they are simple to maintain. To ensure your garden is getting all the nutrients it needs, fertilize it about six inches deep at the top and about three inches below that. Because topsoil is so rich in nutrients, this is a very good place to start. Then, after the area has had time to settle, add more fertilizer, as needed, to the soil. Be sure not to use too much, though, as you don’t want the compost to run out of control before you have a chance to work with it. You may also want to check the local seed banks for topsoil that is ready to plant, since you won’t need to go to all the trouble of collecting it.
Mulch Mulching with topsoil works best when you create a base of compost first, covering the exposed roots of the plants. If the topsoil is loose and available, you can add some bone meal to the compost to help break it down. Just make sure to mulch in a thin layer, as the more topsoil you add, the more clumps and brush will be formed when the weather starts to cool. Another good organic matter to add is leaf litter, as it will help the mulch stay intact longer and also provide a layer of organic matter above the topsoil that is well-suited for preventing weed seeds from germinating.
Garden Soil Grading Garden soil should always be kept clean and clear of debris, but there are times when it is impossible or impractical to keep it that way. For instance, if you have an overgrown lawn, this is not an acceptable condition, so you will need to clear the topsoil. This can easily be done by hand or with a garden hose, and then you will need to backfill the hole with new, unspoiled garden soil, which will need to be piled fairly high. Using garden gloves, be sure to wear them throughout the process to prevent any accidental spills and stains. Once the topsoil is cleared, the weeds should be trimmed away and the area should be covered with plastic or an exterior layer of tar paper.
Rain Garden Technology Rain gardens are a modern innovation which combines topsoil and compost into a single efficient system. In using recycled or regenerated material, the rain garden allows for the growth of beneficial plants at the base of the structure, as well as allowing water to infiltrate the soil to replenish it. This is why engineering topsoil, although more expensive, is often recommended for larger gardens. By mixing topsoil and compost into the bottom soil of a rain garden, the plants are guaranteed of a healthy root growth, and because organic matter is always used, there is less chance of weed seeds germinating and forming in the subsoil layer.
Garnet As previously mentioned, the primary purpose of any landscaping is to improve the aesthetic appeal of the landscape itself, and one of the best ways to accomplish this is through the use of coloured landscaping. However, one very effective option is through the use of coloured topsoil. By mixing a variety of different colours of topsoil into the soil underneath your existing soil, you can create an entirely new look and feel to your property. By creating a colour-coded array of granules, you can even design and style the installation of flower beds, with each bed matching and complementing the next. Ultimately, using coloured topsoil is a great way to add extra interest and variety to your lawn and garden.
The Importance of Garnet Although coloured topsoils do not contain the plant nutrients and minerals that are beneficial to plant life, they are still highly beneficial to humans, as they act as natural fertilizers. Topsoil and compost may contain considerably more nutrients than what is currently contained in the soil around it, but in smaller amounts. Therefore, it is important to regularly add topsoil to the soil in order to ensure that it has sufficient nutrients to encourage healthy plant growth. The addition of small amounts of garnet has been found to be beneficial in promoting the growth of both seeds and roots, so if you already have a garden or intend to grow a garden, you should consider adding some garnet. It is also believed that the addition of garnet will help to ward off a range of plant diseases that afflict gardens.