Quote:
Originally Posted by Maggie344
If your going for richer soil I recommend looking at www.takesumi.co.uk. I found it really useful restoring depleted soil that was under a shed we have removed.
As for your decision it really depends on the depth of your pockets. If you can afford premium topsoil that's probably going to be better but bulk bought soil will, of course, be just fine. Then you'll have more to spend on whatever you plant! It's also important to remember that microbes are an important part of soil too, so I don't necessarily buy into the sterile idea. |
My advice, mix any "topsoil", the cheap version will do just fine, with good quality organic compost. About 5 to 1 is a good mix, thats 5 topsoil to 1 compost.
Don't worry about shrinkage, it will happen no matter what you do, so you will need to top up every year or two.
Most, not all, gardening plants and shrubs prefer a friable soil with plenty of food. Mixing organic compost with the topsoil will achieve this.
Raised beds are a great way of growng gardening plants and shrubs.
And its the best way to grow vegetables, if ever you want to.
I've used this method for years on a heavy clay soil and the results have been 1st class.
Good luck and all the best
Gardenjunkie