Topsoil vs Triple Mix

Topsoil is the top upper layer of soil on any given site. Usually before a construction

project begins, the topsoil is scraped away so work on that site can commence. Terrific

soil, likely consisting of the best ratio of organic microorganisms to feed one’s garden,

do be aware that topsoil can also contain unwanted weeds that are easily and

unwittingly transferred to a new plot, so one must be careful of the source. Caveat

emptor!

Topsoil is great for most gardening needs, including top dressing established lawns and

perennial beds. It’s great for smaller container gardening too, but I do like to mix in

some coarse sand and peat, both for retention and for better drainage, which sounds

like an oxymoron, but it works well because they balance each other out. This

combination creates healthier roots and an overall healthier plant, especially if there's a

high clay content which will suffocate and drown plants with very fine fibrous root

systems if the drainage isn’t fixed, which many flowering annuals have.

Triple mix, by definition, consists of three equal parts of topsoil, peat, and compost.

Peat moss is included for water retention. Topsoil and compost add beneficial nutrients,

along with the bonus of it being a physical support for roots and shoots to thrive!

Compost is made from leafy, loamy, botanical material that has broken down over time.

This triple combination is perfect for seeding new lawns and new gardens. In addition, if

planting a veggie garden, I’d recommend adding some sheep manure, too.

– Happy Gardening.