Alternative uses for Topsoil

We all know the importance topsoil plays in making your garden and plants thrive, but there are alternative uses for topsoil. This article will briefly look at some of the ways you can utilise any excess topsoil you have left over from any gardening projects that you may have undertaken.

Use topsoil as a potting mixture

Most gardeners are unaware that they can use topsoil as a potting mixture – but it is a simple exercise for utilising any topsoil you may have left over from other gardening projects.

• If you have already used the soil before you realised that you had too much, it is important to screen it before using it as a potting mixture – this will get rid of any pesky rocks or roots that may be in it. This technique can also be used for topsoil that you have taken from your garden whilst landscaping.
• Once screened, your topsoil should be mixed with compost and peat moss (one part topsoil, one part compost and one part peat moss) – again this can be done with topsoil straight from your garden or topsoil that you have purchased for other gardening projects.
• Moisten your new mix and add a slow release fertiliser to ensure that your plants will get all the nutrients it requires.
• You should now have a great potting mixture for your plants and less left over topsoil!

Share your excess topsoil with others

Share your excess topsoil with others If you have more topsoil than you needed, a good way to get rid and be helpful at the same time is to give it away. The best way to do this is via your local Freecycle, Gumtree or Facebook marketplace – there is bound to be someone who will be willing to take it away from you if you are prepared to give it away.

Other ideas for using excess topsoil are:

• Use it for growing herbs indoors – basil, dill and other herbs love the nutrients that are in topsoil.
• You can use excess topsoil to level out your garden. Simply shovel the soil into the areas where your garden is uneven and roll it out using a roller. Repeat this until you have a level lawn and then throw some new grass seed on to your newly levelled areas to promote new lawn growth.
• Use topsoil for growing vegetables and tomatoes, for vegetable gardens and raised flower beds.
• You can use a mix of topsoil and children’s play sand as a base for reptile houses as their bedding. This can also be used for tortoise enclosures.
• Try and sell it – you can often get up to £10 a ton for topsoil if it is of good enough quality – try selling it online.

There is a wealth of uses for your excess topsoil and hopefully this article will have helped you come with a few ideas of what to do with yours.