Whether you want to grow delicious vegetables or stunning flowerbeds, when you’re gardening, one of the most important factors is the quality of the soil. Even if you give your plants ample sunlight and the appropriate amount of water, if the ground is subpar, you’re not going to get results. However, there are a variety of ways you can improve it on your property. Topsoil is one of them.

What Is Topsoil?

Dark and fertile, it’s the topmost layer of the earth’s surface; it can stretch up to a foot deep. Despite its name, it doesn’t refer to just any type of dirt. Unless you’re in an undisturbed area of land, you can’t just dig it out of the ground. Thankfully, commercially available soil blends replicate its contents.

Why Is It Essential for Gardens?

1. Provides Nutrients

Both naturally occurring and store-bought topsoil blends contain mineral particles, water, air, and organic matter. The latter generates a rich, dark brown color as well as a plethora of nutrients. These feed the plants and keep the soil fertile for future growth. Topsoil should not be confused with compost, which is primarily decaying and dead organic matter; however, compost can be found in topsoil.

2. Affordable for Volume

If you’re trying to set up a garden bed, filling it up with topsoil is a much more affordable option than “garden soil,” which is generally heavy with the compost. Furthermore, garden soil blends are tailored to particular types of plants, such as flowers, vegetables, or shrubs. If you want more versatility with your garden bed or just prefer to make your own soil amendments, it’s easier to use topsoil.

3. Offers Erosion Control

Because topsoil nourishes the plants, it ultimately provides erosion control. When a plant’s healthy, its roots are strong and, more importantly, run deep into the soil. Even if the rains are heavy or the winds are strong, a solid root structure will help keep the soil in place.

 

If you’re searching for a reliable source for high-quality topsoil, look no further than River Bottom Topsoil. Located in Moscow Mills, MO, this landscaping supply company has served Lincoln and the neighboring counties for more than 25 years. Whether you’re in Pike County or St. Charles County, they can deliver topsoil, mulch, gravel, and decorative rocks directly to you! Aside from supplies, they also offer excavation and grading! To learn more about all their landscaping services, visit their website or call them today at (636) 462-5331.