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.

On average, top soil in bulk costs about $713. The top soil price can vary depending on the supplier and grade of the topsoil for sale. The topsoil price may also change depending on whether it is bought per tonne, per bag or per cubic yard. In this case, the cost usually ranges from $12 per bag to $56 per cubic yard.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of exceptional top soil suppliers in all capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer top soil solutions in all major towns and cities from Cairns down to Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Geelong.

Looking for topsoil suppliers? The easiest way to find top soil for sale near your location is to use iseekplant’s get a quote tool. Simply tell us where and when you need top soil, and we’ll get you the most competitive quotes available! You can also call us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au.

Topsoil is the upper layer of the earth's surface, typically measuring about 5 to 20 centimetres deep. It is richer in organic material and nutrients compared to the subsoil or deeper layers of earth, which are commonly referred to as regular soil. Topsoil is crucial for agricultural and landscaping purposes because it provides essential nutrients and a softer medium for plants to root in. Regular soil, which lies beneath the topsoil, is usually harder and less fertile, consisting more of minerals than organic materials. Understanding these differences is essential when planning planting and gardening projects.

Topsoil is primarily used for its nutrient-rich qualities which promote healthy plant growth. It is ideal for creating new gardens, repairing existing lawns, and top-dressing garden beds. The high concentration of organic matter helps improve soil structure, which enhances water retention and root penetration for plants. Additionally, topsoil is often used to level out the ground before laying sod or undertaking large landscaping projects. Its versatility makes it an invaluable component in both residential and commercial landscaping.

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.

The required depth of topsoil depends on the type of planting or landscaping being done. For most lawns, a depth of about 10 to 15 centimetres of topsoil is adequate to support healthy grass growth. For vegetable gardens, a deeper layer of 20 to 30 centimetres is recommended to accommodate the deeper root systems and ensure sufficient nutrients. Flower beds might need depths similar to vegetable gardens to allow for robust growth. Always ensure that the depth of topsoil is consistent across the area to promote even growth and development.

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.

Topsoil is the natural upper layer of soil that contains nutrients and organic matter, making it suitable for planting lawns, gardens, and landscaping. Garden mix, on the other hand, is a prepared blend of topsoil, compost, sand, and other additives, designed to provide optimal conditions for plant growth and improve drainage, moisture retention, and fertility.

Tip: Use topsoil for general landscaping and garden mix for areas where plants need better growth conditions, like flower beds or vegetable gardens.

The amount of topsoil required depends on the area of your garden beds and the desired depth of soil. For most planting purposes, a depth of 100–150 mm is suitable for flowers, shrubs, and vegetables. You can calculate the required volume using the formula:

Volume (m³) = Area (m²) × Depth (m)

Tip: Always order 5–10% extra to account for compaction, spillage, and uneven surfaces, ensuring your garden beds are fully covered.

The choice depends on your project and planting needs. Topsoil is the natural upper layer of soil, suitable for levelling, filling areas, or laying turf. It is generally less nutrient-rich and more affordable, making it ideal when you don’t need enhanced plant growth. Garden mix, on the other hand, is a prepared blend of topsoil, compost, and additives, designed to provide optimal conditions for planting flowers, vegetables, or shrubs.

Tip: Use topsoil for general landscaping or turf and garden mix for areas where plants need enhanced growth conditions, such as flower beds or vegetable gardens.