Find the Best Top Soil Suppliers Near You

Top soil is the outermost layer of soil. It is essentially the layer of soil that covers the outermost surface of the earth. Topsoil can range from five inches to a foot deep, depending on the location. Experts have found that top soil has high levels of nutrients and organic matter. Top soil is generally used in gardens that have poor soil by covering the ground to create beds such as raised beds for paved gardens. Top soil can also be used as a base for turf laying and sowing grass seed.

Top soil is widely available across Australia. You can buy top soil in bags or in bulk from different top soil suppliers. However, you will need to indicate which type of top soil is appropriate for your project. In this case, our experienced suppliers are available if you need to ask them for assistance, suggestions and professional advice.

The four main types of topsoil are clay, sandy, loamy, and silt, each with distinct characteristics:

• Clay topsoil is heavy and holds moisture well but has poor drainage and can be hard for roots to penetrate.
• Sandy topsoil, while having excellent drainage, does not hold nutrients well, which can be challenging for growing plants.
• Loamy topsoil, a blend of sand, silt, and clay, is considered the best type for gardening because it effectively retains moisture and nutrients yet still provides good drainage.
• Silt top soil, fine and smooth, holds water better than sandy soil and is fertile, but can become compact and poorly aerated if overwatered.

On iseekplant, our suppliers offer three different top soil variants, and each type corresponds to a different purpose and quality. Here are the three different grades of top soil to choose from:

• Economy Grade: Economy grade top soil is made from lower quality top soil and is usually more affordable. Economy top soil is a mixture of soil and crumbled or crushed mineral matter such as silt, green sand and glacial moraine. Economy top soil is typically used for large projects, as well as industrial and commercial purposes.
• General-Purpose Grade: General-purpose grade top soil is ideal for making new beds or sowing bases. This type of top soil is widely available and can be purchased in different variations. For example, coarser general-purpose grade top soil is recommended for turf laying. On the other hand, finer general-purpose grade top soil is commonly used for dressing a lawn.
• Premium Grade: Premium grade top soil is the most expensive type of top soil. Premium grade top soil is best suited to creating well-structured flower borders, and when mixed with compost, this top soil is also ideal for container-grown plants. Premium grade top soil is screened and filtered to assure customers that they are using top-quality top soil that does not carry the risk of harbouring weed seeds.

It is important to identify the differences between top soil and garden soil for most applications. Many factors should be thoroughly checked and considered before choosing garden soil or topsoil, as each type provides different attributes and benefits depending on the project.

Top soil is stripped from the top layer of soil during construction projects. Top soil is made out of different minerals and its quality and composition depends on the local soil where it was originally stripped. While top soil is composed mostly of clay, some are a bit sandy and others have a high rocky composition.

In comparison, garden soil is essentially top soil enriched with compost and organic matter to help boost plant growth. The addition of compost reduces compaction and helps provide nutrients that will be beneficial to plants for a long time.

Designed for containers, potting soil should not be used as a substitute for topsoil because it is generally lighter, more porous and often contains perlite or vermiculite to aid in drainage. It is formulated to support potted plants where the conditions differ significantly from in-ground applications.

Using potting soil as topsoil could lead to rapid nutrient drainage away from plant roots and might not support the weight and growth of larger plants in open soil. Furthermore, potting soil is usually more expensive than topsoil, making it a less cost-effective choice for large areas. It's best to use potting soil for its intended purpose and opt for proper topsoil for garden beds and landscaping.

Garden soil and topsoil are often confused, but garden soil is specifically designed to be mixed with native soil and is typically used to enrich or modify existing garden beds. It often contains a blend of topsoil and organic matter like compost or manure, tailored for specific types of plants or garden conditions.

Using garden soil instead of topsoil could be beneficial in areas where the native soil is poor or in raised beds where soil needs to be introduced. However, for general landscaping needs such as filling large areas or laying a new lawn, topsoil is generally more appropriate due to its broader suitability and lower cost. Always consider the specific needs of your project when choosing between topsoil and garden soil.

Topsoil can be spread over existing grass in a process called top dressing, which improves soil quality, promotes healthy grass growth and levels out the lawn surface. It is important not to apply too thick a layer; generally, a 1 to 2-centimetre layer is sufficient to enhance the lawn without smothering the grass.

The topsoil used should be free of weed seeds and should be finely sifted to avoid clumping. This process can help fill small depressions and improve the soil structure, allowing existing grass to grow more vigorously. It is best done in the growing season when the grass can recover and grow through the new soil layer.