Secret of a magnificent garden is a thick layer of topsoil. After a new building, flowers, perennials and trees can only thrive if the compacted soil is filled with rich garden soil. This guide explains how the plan works with practical tips and tricks.
How do you fill up garden soil correctly?
To fill up garden soil properly, first sift the topsoil through a sieve, fill it into a wheelbarrow, loosen the compacted subsoil with a rake and distribute the soil evenly over the area with a shovel. Fill ornamental and vegetable beds 25-30 cm high.
Topsoil is the true garden soil
Topsoil is the top layer of earth, usually up to a depth of 30 centimeters. Here plants find everything they need to grow, such as humus, minerals, nutrients, sand and microorganisms. Before a new building is built, topsoil is always removed. The humus-rich topsoil is not stable enough for development. Furthermore, the earth layer is subject to the regulations of the Federal Soil Act. This stipulates that topsoil must not be disposed of or even wasted.
Where can gardeners get good topsoil?
After new construction, valuable topsoil is often removed for reasons of space. When new homeowners plant their garden after a while, the valuable soil is sorely missed. Good to know that topsoil can be purchased from various sources:
- Local recycling center
- Gardening businesses
- landscape gardener
- Private providers via classified ads or via the Internet
The cheapest option is the local recycling center. Topsoil that was left over after building a house is stored here. Since the landfill does not have to pay for the earth, the prices are at a low level.
Filling up garden soil – how to do it right
After delivery or self-collection of topsoil, the soil should not be stored for long because rot can develop quickly. How to properly replenish garden soil on your property:
- First throw the soil through a sieve
- Put topsoil into a wheelbarrow
- Loose up heavily compacted ground with a rake
- Spread garden soil evenly over the area using a shovel
Fill ornamental and vegetable beds about 25 to 30 centimeters high with sifted topsoil. Please note: Only carry out the work when the property no longer needs to be accessed by heavy vehicles.
Tip
In small gardens and raised beds, rich compost soil fulfills the role of topsoil. Fill small beds with a 10- to 12-inch layer of mature, sifted compost. Before you fill the raised bed with nutritious garden soil, coarse materials made from wood cuttings and half-ripened compost act as volume absorbers.
