Tips on buying topsoil..... its all about asking the right questions

OK you're planning a new garden, you can see the finished image in your mind and you are reaching the point where you need some topsoil, maybe to reshape some flower beds, perhaps to fill in an old pond or re-level an area for a new lawn. Before buying, you need to ask the right questions.

What type of topsoil do I need?

The type of topsoil you need depends on your particular project. Different topsoils can be used for different jobs, for example if you're growing acid loving plants such as Azalea, Gardenia or Hydrangea you will need an ericaceous topsoil. If you're building a raised bed you might want to consider a friable, sandy loam with a neutral to alkaline pH. At this stage it's worth doing a little research into which topsoil is going to be most suitable for you. Talk to topsoil suppliers, talk with other gardeners, look online, visit blogs, ask questions. 

Where will the topsoil come from?

The quality of topsoil being sold in the market place can vary enormously. It's a sad fact that there are products out there being sold as topsoil that are nothing more than demolition and construction waste. Products that can potentially be toxic to the environment and human health. The old saying " buy in haste repent at leisure"  is worth remembering. Shop around, talk to different topsoil suppliers and again ask questions -

• Where has the topsoil come from?
• Do you have topsoil to meet my requirement?
• Is the topsoil a blend of different materials, if so what?
• Is the topsoil screened?
• Has it been tested?
• Do you have a test certificate?
• Can I come and look at the topsoil?
• Can you send me a sample?

Ask if the topsoil is a blend of different materials. Some products labelled as 'topsoil' are a blend of sand and composted green waste, some are a by-product of the vegetable washing industry. They may be a perfectly acceptable growing media, but it's worth checking exactly what you're buying. Check if the topsoil has been screened, you don't want to buy a topsoil full of large stones, rocks or flints.

It's a good idea to ask if the topsoil has been tested. The British Standard BS3882 (2007) is the bench mark for topsoil suppliers in the UK. Ask for a copy of a test certificate, make sure it's up to date. If you can go and have a look at the topsoil suppliers production facility, all the better, by looking around you will get a good idea if their topsoil is what you want.

Any reputable topsoil supplier will be able to answer your questions, will allow you to look at the topsoil they supply and will be happy to provide you with test reports and samples, if they can't, don't buy.