Whether you’re an avid gardener or just beginning to try your hand at planting, you’ll be faced with the decision between varying types of fill material at some point. Gravel suppliers offer screened and unscreened topsoil to customers looking to grow flowers and herbs, as the material is rich in nutrients required to feed your flora. Clay, manure, silt, and sand are all combined to create a balanced material for your garden to grow from. The decision that you must make, however, is choosing between screened and unscreened topsoil, both of which have their own unique benefits.

Screened Topsoil

Screened topsoil is a manufactured fill material, giving the consumer a bit more control in deciding what type of substance their plants will grow best in. The topsoil is filtered through specific, differentiating mesh screens to create a particular consistency. The gardener can choose from particle sizes that vary, like five-eighths or three-quarters of an inch, which lends to a more even layer for plants to sprout from. This consistency allows water to flow through to the seeds easily and evenly, and the plants will have a good chance of growing deep roots and producing robust flowers and trees. 

Unscreened Topsoil

Topsoil itself occurs naturally, and unscreened topsoil is a minimally manufactured product, which makes for a more affordable landscaping material that makes an excellent base. Unscreened topsoil is composed of different-sized soil particles, and the resulting coarse consistency makes for an excellent base for landscaping hills, mounds, or other elevated shapes. An added benefit of topsoil is that it can easily be combined with screened soil for a perfectly balanced mix. Since unscreened topsoil is sturdier, it makes a strong base to hold seeds that will later be covered with screened soil.

If you’re a homeowner and gardener in Manchester, CT, and have questions about screened and unscreened topsoil, pay a visit to the team at Manchester Aggregate Supply. For 40 years, this group of knowledgable contractors has served the community with expert advice for creating a lush, healthy landscape. Give them a call at (860) 643-7777 for more information on their products and services.