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#1
14-04-2009, 03:46 PM
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
Hi everyone,
Just want to get everybodys opinion on whether you think "Organic Topsoil" is worth the price for fixing bare spots, and filling in holes in a yard?? In the past we have tried 3 different kinds of topsoil for patching/fixing bare spots in our lawn. We tried some generic one from Home Depot called "Old Castle Topsoil". It was something like $1.19 for a 40 pound bag. The stuff was absolutely terrible!!! It was wet and all stuck together, and smelly!! It had tons of rocks and sticks in it, pieces of paper and plastic, someones broken metal eyeglasses frame, pieces of black roof shingles, etc, etc. There was also a new one that came out last year ( 2008 ), at Home Depot called "Scotts Premium Topsoil", which was $1.99 for a 30 pound bag. It is "screened" topsoil with an organic and peat moss mix. This one was much better than the "Old Castle" one, but you got 10 pounds LESS, and is was more money!! The one that we really like is one we got at Ace Hardware. Its called "Organic TopSoil" and its from a company called "Majestic-Earth". It comes in a 30 pound bag. It is "screened" topsoil, and it's a really soft soil, that is Dark Black in color. It looks to be what gardeners call "Black Gold". It USE to be $1.99 for a 30 pound bag when we bought it last year ( 2008 ), now all of a sudden it SKYROCKETED in price!!! We went there this weekend to get some, and it is now priced at $3.49 a bag!!!!! A $1.49 increase in one year!!?? What the hell!? We live in the Northeast, and while we didn't really have a terrible winter with any major storms, the sander trucks really did a number on our treebelt putting down TONS of sand and road salt. Our treebelt is loaded with sand, and has a ton of barespots thanks to the "sanders" putting down sand and salt over the winter. We now have to patch and reseed the bare spots on the treebelt, and well as other bare spots throughout the yard. So basically my question is, is "Organic TopSoil" at $3.49 a bag worth it?? Is it really that much better for the lawn, and for growing new grass seed?? $3.49 for a 30 pound bag of topsoil seems way too high in price?? I know that we aren't going back to the $1.19 "unscreened" "Old Castle" one, filled up with rocks, sticks, junk, and other debris!! So we may just stick with the "Scotts Premium Organic Mix Topsoil" at $1.99 for 30 pounds?? The only thing is, is that the "Scotts Premium Topsoil" is not a 100% percent organic topsoil, its just regular topsoil with organic topsoil and peat moss mixed in?? It is a "screened" topsoil though, so you don't have to worry about any rocks, sticks, or other debris in there. Is Ace Hardware way overpriced for the "Majestic-Earth Organic TopSoil" at $3.49 a bag, or is it worth it??? Any info. would greatly be appreciated!! Thanks! |
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#3
14-04-2009, 09:29 PM
posted to rec.gardens
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
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#4
14-04-2009, 10:01 PM
posted to rec.gardens
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
In article ,
Phisherman wrote: On Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:46:24 -0400, (MICHELLE H.) wrote: Hi everyone, Just want to get everybodys opinion on whether you think "Organic Topsoil" is worth the price for fixing bare spots, and filling in holes in a yard?? I have all kinds of mulch, garden soil and compost for patching the lawn so I don't ned to buy anything. But I got to buy the straw for protecting the seed and seedlings. Isn't most topsoil organic? In the carbon - carbon bond sense, yes. In contemporary discourse, however, it means not polluted with man made toxic chemicals. The fact that Dow Chemical and Monsanto exist, should give grave concern as to the importation of any soil of unknown origin. -- - Billy "For the first time in the history of the world, every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death." - Rachel Carson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI29wVQN8Go http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1072040.html |
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#5
15-04-2009, 02:58 PM
posted to rec.gardens
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
On Apr 14, 7:46*am, (MICHELLE H.) wrote:
Hi everyone, Just want to get everybodys opinion on whether you think "Organic Topsoil" is worth the price for fixing bare spots, and filling in holes in a yard?? In the past we have tried 3 different kinds of topsoil for patching/fixing bare spots in our lawn. We tried some generic one from Home Depot called "Old Castle Topsoil". It was something like $1.19 for a 40 pound bag. The stuff was absolutely terrible!!! It was wet and all stuck together, and smelly!! It had tons of rocks and sticks in it, pieces of paper and plastic, someones broken metal eyeglasses frame, pieces of black roof shingles, etc, etc. There was also a new one that came out last year ( 2008 ), at Home Depot called "Scotts Premium Topsoil", which was $1.99 for a 30 pound bag. It is "screened" topsoil with an organic and peat moss mix. This one was much better than the "Old Castle" one, but you got 10 pounds LESS, and is was more money!! The one that we really like is one we got at Ace Hardware. Its called "Organic TopSoil" and its from a company called "Majestic-Earth". It comes in a 30 pound bag. It is "screened" topsoil, and it's a really soft soil, that is Dark Black in color. It looks to be what gardeners call "Black Gold". * It USE to be $1.99 for a 30 pound bag when we bought it last year ( 2008 ), now all of a sudden it SKYROCKETED in price!!! We went there this weekend to get some, and it is now priced at $3.49 a bag!!!!! A $1.49 increase in one year!!?? What the hell!? * We live in the Northeast, and while we didn't really have a terrible winter with any major storms, the sander trucks really did a number on our treebelt putting down TONS of sand and road salt. Our treebelt is loaded with sand, and has a ton of barespots thanks to the "sanders" putting down sand and salt over the winter. We now have to patch and reseed the bare spots on the treebelt, and well as other bare spots throughout the yard. So basically my question is, is "Organic TopSoil" at $3.49 a bag worth it?? Is it really that much better for the lawn, and for growing new grass seed?? $3.49 for a 30 pound bag of topsoil seems way too high in price?? I know that we aren't going back to the $1.19 "unscreened" "Old Castle" one, filled up with rocks, sticks, junk, and other debris!! So we may just stick with the "Scotts Premium Organic Mix Topsoil" at $1.99 for 30 pounds?? The only thing is, is that the "Scotts Premium Topsoil" is not a 100% percent organic topsoil, its just regular topsoil with organic topsoil and peat moss mixed in?? It is a "screened" topsoil though, so you don't have to worry about any rocks, sticks, or other debris in there. Is Ace Hardware way overpriced for the "Majestic-Earth Organic TopSoil" at $3.49 a bag, or is it worth it??? Any info. would greatly be appreciated!! Thanks! First, you need to understand that "topsoil" is a generic term that is used to describe a very wide range materials. By definition, it is the top layer of soil (typically down to around 4") that is removed, generally as the result of construction/development activity. There is no guarantee that this top layer is any better in quality, substance or texture than any other soil obtained anywhere else - it could be devoid of organic matter and therefore soil life, it could be rocky and filled with roots. It could just as well be fill dirt or contaminated with all manner of pollutants. Simply because it is bagged and labeled as "topsoil" is no guarantee that it adds any value to your garden. I agree with Victoria that a visit to a soil yard or landscape supply company may be in order. Or to any retail nurseries in your area that offer bulk soil products. Look at the material before you buy and evaluate its components - most suppliers will list what is included. Avoid anything labeled as simply "topsoil". 3-way planting mixes would serve your purposes nicely - they are typically some combination of loam, compost and a textural offering: coarse sand, bark fines or sometimes sawdust. Or a screened compost. Much of the commercial compost industry IS highly regulated and you can generally rest assured that the product you are purchasing has been properly processed and aged and is free of possible contaminates. Avoid those small operations that sell from the side of the road or from small farm lots.......they tend be rather unknown quantities :-) And you do get what you pay for.......the better the product, the more it is has been tested and possibly certified, and the more clearly it is labeled, the greater the cost. Bulk soil will always be far less expensive than bagged material. Bring your own buckets or burlap bags or pick-up . Most places will deliver in quantity as well. |
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#6
15-04-2009, 05:59 PM
posted to rec.gardens
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
In article
, gardengal wrote: On Apr 14, 7:46*am, (MICHELLE H.) wrote: Hi everyone, Just want to get everybodys opinion on whether you think "Organic Topsoil" is worth the price for fixing bare spots, and filling in holes in a yard?? In the past we have tried 3 different kinds of topsoil for patching/fixing bare spots in our lawn. We tried some generic one from Home Depot called "Old Castle Topsoil". It was something like $1.19 for a 40 pound bag. The stuff was absolutely terrible!!! It was wet and all stuck together, and smelly!! It had tons of rocks and sticks in it, pieces of paper and plastic, someones broken metal eyeglasses frame, pieces of black roof shingles, etc, etc. There was also a new one that came out last year ( 2008 ), at Home Depot called "Scotts Premium Topsoil", which was $1.99 for a 30 pound bag. It is "screened" topsoil with an organic and peat moss mix. This one was much better than the "Old Castle" one, but you got 10 pounds LESS, and is was more money!! The one that we really like is one we got at Ace Hardware. Its called "Organic TopSoil" and its from a company called "Majestic-Earth". It comes in a 30 pound bag. It is "screened" topsoil, and it's a really soft soil, that is Dark Black in color. It looks to be what gardeners call "Black Gold". * It USE to be $1.99 for a 30 pound bag when we bought it last year ( 2008 ), now all of a sudden it SKYROCKETED in price!!! We went there this weekend to get some, and it is now priced at $3.49 a bag!!!!! A $1.49 increase in one year!!?? What the hell!? * We live in the Northeast, and while we didn't really have a terrible winter with any major storms, the sander trucks really did a number on our treebelt putting down TONS of sand and road salt. Our treebelt is loaded with sand, and has a ton of barespots thanks to the "sanders" putting down sand and salt over the winter. We now have to patch and reseed the bare spots on the treebelt, and well as other bare spots throughout the yard. So basically my question is, is "Organic TopSoil" at $3.49 a bag worth it?? Is it really that much better for the lawn, and for growing new grass seed?? $3.49 for a 30 pound bag of topsoil seems way too high in price?? I know that we aren't going back to the $1.19 "unscreened" "Old Castle" one, filled up with rocks, sticks, junk, and other debris!! So we may just stick with the "Scotts Premium Organic Mix Topsoil" at $1.99 for 30 pounds?? The only thing is, is that the "Scotts Premium Topsoil" is not a 100% percent organic topsoil, its just regular topsoil with organic topsoil and peat moss mixed in?? It is a "screened" topsoil though, so you don't have to worry about any rocks, sticks, or other debris in there. Is Ace Hardware way overpriced for the "Majestic-Earth Organic TopSoil" at $3.49 a bag, or is it worth it??? Any info. would greatly be appreciated!! Thanks! First, you need to understand that "topsoil" is a generic term that is used to describe a very wide range materials. By definition, it is the top layer of soil (typically down to around 4") that is removed, generally as the result of construction/development activity. There is no guarantee that this top layer is any better in quality, substance or texture than any other soil obtained anywhere else - it could be devoid of organic matter and therefore soil life, it could be rocky and filled with roots. It could just as well be fill dirt or contaminated with all manner of pollutants. Simply because it is bagged and labeled as "topsoil" is no guarantee that it adds any value to your garden. I agree with Victoria that a visit to a soil yard or landscape supply company may be in order. Or to any retail nurseries in your area that offer bulk soil products. Look at the material before you buy and evaluate its components - most suppliers will list what is included. Avoid anything labeled as simply "topsoil". 3-way planting mixes would serve your purposes nicely - they are typically some combination of loam, compost and a textural offering: coarse sand, bark fines or sometimes sawdust. Or a screened compost. Much of the commercial compost industry IS highly regulated and you can generally rest assured that the product you are purchasing has been properly processed and aged and is free of possible contaminates. Avoid those small operations that sell from the side of the road or from small farm lots.......they tend be rather unknown quantities :-) And you do get what you pay for.......the better the product, the more it is has been tested and possibly certified, and the more clearly it is labeled, the greater the cost. Bulk soil will always be far less expensive than bagged material. Bring your own buckets or burlap bags or pick-up . Most places will deliver in quantity as well. You may as well make your own, MICHELLE. The best top soil in the world will quickly revert to it's non-dissolvable elements as the organic matter in it breaks down. After the mulch has been seeded (as I have previously outlined), feed on occasion with "organic" fish emulsion, or occasionally broadcast some alfalfa pellets on it and the rest of your lawn, to feed it. -- - Billy "For the first time in the history of the world, every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death." - Rachel Carson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI29wVQN8Go http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1072040.html |
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#7
15-04-2009, 08:49 PM
posted to rec.gardens
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
"Jangchub" wrote in message ... I can buy a premium compost which has soft rock phosphate, lavasand, greensand, decomposed granite, turkey manure or it's also available as a non-animal based compost using vegetation only, but innoculated using compost tea and made in wind rows as Dr. Ingham recommends (she is a superior resource for information regarding soils and compost). http://www.soilfoodweb.com/02_resources/index.html Do some research and you will find I am not just saying this to say it. And what does it cost you per pound? |
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#8
17-04-2009, 01:08 AM
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
"Jangchub" wrote in message ... On Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:56:23 -0500, "Hedda Lettis" wrote: Just curious as how big your garden is. A cubic yard doesn't go very far. When I bought this house all the top horizon of soil was in tact, to that I added 12 yards of compost after the pool was built. We live on half acre and I would say since the house is 3,000 sq ft, the pool 50' x 10' and we have a 400 sq ft deck near the pool, the garden is about, oh, about every square inch outside a small piece of turf in the front yard. Why would someone who claims to be so into gardening move all the way from NY to the _wide open_ spaces of TX for a measly 1/2 acre, a legitimate query. |
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#9
17-04-2009, 04:05 AM
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
"brooklyn1" wrote in message ... "Jangchub" wrote in message ... On Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:56:23 -0500, "Hedda Lettis" wrote: Just curious as how big your garden is. A cubic yard doesn't go very far. When I bought this house all the top horizon of soil was in tact, to that I added 12 yards of compost after the pool was built. We live on half acre and I would say since the house is 3,000 sq ft, the pool 50' x 10' and we have a 400 sq ft deck near the pool, the garden is about, oh, about every square inch outside a small piece of turf in the front yard. Why would someone who claims to be so into gardening move all the way from NY to the _wide open_ spaces of TX for a measly 1/2 acre, a legitimate query. It's probably all they could afford. |
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#10
17-04-2009, 12:20 PM
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
"Hedda Lettis" wrote in message ... "brooklyn1" wrote in message ... "Jangchub" wrote in message ... On Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:56:23 -0500, "Hedda Lettis" wrote: Just curious as how big your garden is. A cubic yard doesn't go very far. When I bought this house all the top horizon of soil was in tact, to that I added 12 yards of compost after the pool was built. We live on half acre and I would say since the house is 3,000 sq ft, the pool 50' x 10' and we have a 400 sq ft deck near the pool, the garden is about, oh, about every square inch outside a small piece of turf in the front yard. Why would someone who claims to be so into gardening move all the way from NY to the _wide open_ spaces of TX for a measly 1/2 acre, a legitimate query. It's probably all they could afford. Real estate price has more to do with factors other than land size... there could well be a million dollar house set on a 1/2 acre lot of soil so **** poor for growing plants that top soil needs to be purchased... my question has to do with gardening, not the dwelling. |
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#11
17-04-2009, 04:33 PM
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
"Jangchub" wrote in message ... On Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:08:58 GMT, "brooklyn1" wrote: "Jangchub" wrote in message . .. On Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:56:23 -0500, "Hedda Lettis" wrote: Just curious as how big your garden is. A cubic yard doesn't go very far. When I bought this house all the top horizon of soil was in tact, to that I added 12 yards of compost after the pool was built. We live on half acre and I would say since the house is 3,000 sq ft, the pool 50' x 10' and we have a 400 sq ft deck near the pool, the garden is about, oh, about every square inch outside a small piece of turf in the front yard. Why would someone who claims to be so into gardening move all the way from NY to the _wide open_ spaces of TX for a measly 1/2 acre, a legitimate query. My husband works for Dell Inc. This house was the ONLY house available to move in to. I sold our house up in Dallas in three days, leaving me very little time. I wanted five acres, but the only houses available were built in the 80s and would need major updating and I wanted a new house. I am very content on half acre living next door to a judge, across from the Sherrif, three house away from a cop, next door to a soldier, etc. I don't need more room. I'm a gardener, not a farmer. You don't think a half acre is ample for ornamental gardening? How much of your property is cultivated? I have sixteen acres here, about eight acres parked out... another three acres if I count my pond area and wildflower meadow, the rest is pretty much wooded although I do tend to a lot of those areas too, especially keeping wild grape and other vines from smothering small trees/shrubs. I had a half acre on Long Island, I never liked my plants all right near to and up against each other, and having to limit what I could grow due to lack of space... here instead I'm limited by what critters eat, but I like the wildlife too and there is always fencing. Down the road I have another property of 91 acres, about ten acres wooded, the rest is in hay... the haying pays all my taxes plus a small profit. Were I younger I might've considered building a house and living on that property, but I'm happy here and have no plans to more. |
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#12
17-04-2009, 08:04 PM
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
In article ,
Jangchub wrote: I've heard is is better to have a small garden that is a joy to play in instead of one too big. Sure gardening is work but it also play. The larger makes it difficult to see the difference. This for newbies. Hope the health issue comes around and you can play more. Playing with wisdom affords greater returns of joy which may afford more play time. Just a possible image there are many. Bill a proponent that laughter is the best medicine -- Garden in shade zone 5 S Jersey USA Not all who wander are lost. - J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) |
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#13
17-04-2009, 08:12 PM
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
In article ,
Bill wrote: In article , Jangchub wrote: I've heard is is better to have a small garden that is a joy to play in instead of one too big. Sure gardening is work but it also play. The larger makes it difficult to see the difference. This for newbies. Hope the health issue comes around and you can play more. Playing with wisdom affords greater returns of joy which may afford more play time. Just a possible image there are many. Bill a proponent that laughter is the best medicine http://tinyurl.com/cg4as7 -- Garden in shade zone 5 S Jersey USA Not all who wander are lost. - J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) |
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#14
17-04-2009, 08:22 PM
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
On Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:04:10 -0400, Bill
wrote: In article , Jangchub wrote: I've heard is is better to have a small garden that is a joy to play in instead of one too big. Sure gardening is work but it also play. The larger makes it difficult to see the difference. This for newbies. Depends. I had a large garden and plants several rows of corn. Pumpkins take up a lot of room too. As gardens get larger gas-powered tools become more important. |
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#15
17-04-2009, 09:47 PM
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Is Organic Topsoil Worth It??
"Jangchub" wrote in message ... On Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:33:13 GMT, "brooklyn1" wrote: I have sixteen acres here, about eight acres parked out... another three acres if I count my pond area and wildflower meadow, the rest is pretty much wooded although I do tend to a lot of those areas too, especially keeping wild grape and other vines from smothering small trees/shrubs. I had a half acre on Long Island, I never liked my plants all right near to and up against each other, and having to limit what I could grow due to lack of space... here instead I'm limited by what critters eat, but I like the wildlife too and there is always fencing. Down the road I have another property of 91 acres, about ten acres wooded, the rest is in hay... the haying pays all my taxes plus a small profit. Were I younger I might've considered building a house and living on that property, but I'm happy here and have no plans to more. I pulled out our survey to make sure I was giving the right amount of space and it's a bit over 1/3 acre, not 1/4. It's just big enough to be a lot of work for me to do. It is a very quiet area and there are many species of birds to admire. The Indigo bunting was such a charge to see. When I get finished planting and transplanting this years stuff I will take a bunch of photos and put them on the blog. Our garden was on the PBS show called Central Texas Gardener in 2005. It's also been in magazines locally. I am not that abled so this is huge for me to manage. Would I love a hundred acres? Yes. Can I afford it? Certainly. What I can't do is the work. I am not well. Whose abled, I'm probably less abled... but I've discovered that larger tracts of land are easier to tend than smaller properties, as the property surpasses like five acres it begins to become easier to tend, I'd say at the ten acre mark is where one surpasses the point of diminishing returns... tractors remove decades from one's age... I often ride my small tractor from my vegetable gardening shed the 800 feet to my barn where I house my large tractor, saves my legs, especially when I may have to make those treks several times a day. I also like the seasons, aside from all the sensory stimulus they cut my physically demanding gardening chores fully by half, I get to hibernate. The first thing my friends who still live on small surburban lots ask is how do I keep all my miles of borders so neatly edged, I laugh, I don't, they are as the giant mower leaves them, quite messy in spots actually... but when viewed from many hundreds of feet away they look perfectly manicured. I've learned not to bother with precision anymore... it's the overall appearance that counts... I've come to like macro landscaping much better than micro. You see, in a development of small properties everyone is looking at each others property up close and personal... my nearest neighbor is a thousand feet away... I can garden with my peepee hanging out and no one can see, and I do, do you think I'm gonna hike a thousand feet to the terlit, let alone traipse through the house with muddy boots, when a few feet over is the pond... just gotta be careful Mr Bullfrog doesn't mistake it for a gnat! LOL |
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