Significant differences exist between topsoil and potting soil. While they often can be used interchangeably, that's not always the case. Not only do topsoil and potting soil's ingredients differ, but the type that's best for your flower beds, vegetables and other plants can vary. The main difference between potting soil and topsoil, according to Kansas State University , is that topsoil is the natural layer that forms on the ground's surface, while potting mix doesn't actually contain soil.
Instead, potting mix is a mixture of organic matter, such as pine bark and peat moss and other materials. The ingredients comprise the main difference between topsoil and potting soil. The two actually have little in common. Potting soil often contains no actual soil at all; instead, it's composed of ingredients like coco coir or coconut husks, vermiculite, shredded bark, and sphagnum moss.
The exact potting soil ingredients list varies depending on the manufacturer. The reason why potting soil ingredients list is so varied and soil-less is because it needs to drain well.
For the best soil for outdoor plants in containers, proper drainage is key. Amendments may include compost or other organic matter, and some soils — like perennial potting mixes — have added ingredients to encourage growth of specific types of plants. Generic soils vary greatly in quality, as do many of the options at local big box stores. When selecting a bagged or bulk soil blend, check to make sure it contains no chemicals or fertilizers.
For the greatest gardening success, look for an organic blend that is formulated for the growing conditions in your region. Topsoil is more of a general-purpose landscape material.
Gardeners use topsoil to:. Level low spots in the lawn in preparation for sod installation Add organic material to an existing lawn as a means of reducing thatch and increasing pest and weed resistance Fill the lower layer of raised bed planters. Garden soil is a growing medium, designed to provide much-needed nutrients for improved plant health.
Gardeners turn to this landscape material for:. Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year!
Thanks for informative post. Thank you for informing me that topsoil is critical for making sure your plants get the nutrients they need. About a week ago, I decided that I want to start a little garden so that I can be more self-sufficient. I will have to look into topsoil mixes that could help me grow lots of fruit and veggies! Hi Greta, thank you for your comment. Depending on what you are growing and what growing in you may also want to check out these two posts for more information.
Happy Gardening! Enjoy reading your tips on topsoil…am creating veggie garden in my flower beds to prevent digging up grass for new beds…so have been adding garden soil and store-bought compost to existing soil..
Hi Rose, We are glad that you enjoyed reading our tips on topsoil. We wish you the best! Your email address will not be published. Ask a Garden Question Subscribe. Search Search for: Search. What is Soil? Kellogg Garden Organics. All Natural Potting Mix. Learn More. Product Locator by Locally. Garden Soil Garden soils are formulated to be mixed with the native soil found in your garden or landscape for in-ground planting.
Native Soil There is also the existing soil in your garden or yard, which can be a unique combination of clay, sand, silt, and loam. Topsoil And then, there is topsoil. What is Topsoil Used for?
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