Topsoil vs Garden Soil vs Potting Soil - Garden Quickie Episode 61

How Is Topsoil Different Than Garden Soil? But what about Potting Soil? Why is gardening always so complicated? Well, let's change that with today's Garden Quickie!
In this episode we look at the various soil types used in the garden and how they differ from each other. Its a Garden Quickie, so you know its jam-packed with information, beginning to end! Enjoy. :-)
It feels just like yesterday I started this series. Garden Quickies are hyper-focused 2 minute videos that tackle the most pressing growing questions of the day. I've compiled an entire playlist of them here, check it out!: • Garden Quickies
2022 is the Year of the Garden! We deserve it after the last little while, and growing our own food and self sufficiency is just the reward we need to get back on track!
For more information on all your gardening questions, check out my other videos!:
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Seed Starting Soil: • How To Make Your Own S... ​​​
Seed Starting 101, The Basics!: • How To Start Vegetable... ​​​
Starting Tomato Seeds: • How To Grow Tomatoes P... ​​​
Starting Pepper Seeds: • Growing Peppers Part 1...
Starting Cucumber Seeds: • Video
Starting Zucchini Seeds: • Growing Zucchini Part ...
Starting Corn Seeds: • Growing Corn - Part 1 ... ​​​
Starting Pumpkin Seeds: • How To Grow Pumpkins -... ​​​
DIY Ultimate Potting Mix: • Make Your Own Potting ... ​
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#soil #topsoil #gardening

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

If you're just starting out gardening in 2022, please check out my Amazon Affiliate links below to get the right tools for the job! It doesn't cost you a cent, but this channel receives a small incentive for any items purchase through Amazon. Happy Gardening! Handy 12-piece Garden Tool Set!: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3jsNIyk Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YZhFwx Amazon UK: amzn.to/3qapNql Hand Pruners: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2YSIFxP Amazon USA: amzn.to/3q3Oftq Amazon UK: amzn.to/2YR3Xf8 Watering Can: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39U4nIc Amazon USA: amzn.to/3EiUNeF Amazon UK: amzn.to/3oX7hAa Spray Gun: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3aBxijm Amazon USA: amzn.to/3aL7UHS Amazon UK: amzn.to/3ruol1Z Gardening Gloves: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Lt6ZDx Amazon USA: amzn.to/3tzJ32t Amazon UK: amzn.to/3jpf1cU

[@hope2029]

Hi Jeff: just figured out you are from Vancouver....thought I detected a slight accent! I used to live in Skaggit county WA. Boy did things grow, not like here in se nm.😞 Do you have a degree in horticulture? You surely are a great teacher. Thanks so much for that detailed explanation in such a 'nut shell- type' time period! Amazing.😄

[@spik330]

I know this is an older video but I found it while trying to look up soil drainage. So far there isn't really vary much information on it except "make sure your soil has good drainage" with the caveat of "make sure your soil doesn't over drain/holds the moisture" which is so not helpful as it doesn't explain what is "good drainage", is there a range, does it differ in a garden or pots, how deep should the "good drainage" go (I have 5 foot raised bed platers). Especially when considering people amateur gardening people trying to make and get their own soil right. This was a pretty good light video on soil, would you be able to make one for soil drainage about the diffident levels of drainage and when they should be used for?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@hope2029 thanks! Just saw this. My university education is in forestry at UBC. Cheers!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@spik330 that's a great idea.... A deep dive on soil is never a bad idea

[@lauracarrier6158]

Thanks for the great video. My daughter (7) loves to watch them with me. This one came at a good time, because I was just telling her how dirt and soil are not the same thing. Now we birth know that there are so many different types of soil!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

That's so awesome Laura! Love having you both along for the ride! :-)

[@jimmcdowell9017]

Jeff, you are dead on again. Success in the garden always starts with energized soil. Don’t stop, keep em’ comin’

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Jim, totally agree! :-)

[@KingCobraMadnezz]

Thank you so much for explaining to a 'beginner' such as myself. I always thought they were all the same (haha), but now I know they aren't. Thanks again!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

No problem, thanks for watching!!

[@goodbankie]

Glad I found your channel, just starting my garden journey and want to turn my life around growing the world around me

[@michaelmarchione3408]

That is great info! A couple of year ago we wanted sifted top soil to mix we our aged rabbit manure. The local business that advertised that it was free from everything...just plain dirt. Well it wasn't. It wasn't to have pebbles either. Ya, right! Their screening wasn't very good. I ended screening it myself, 5 yards of it. One must be careful about ads. If I would have had the time, I would have been there to see it before I bought it. That was the poorest topsoil I've ever seen. Luckily it was cheap! Buyer be where! Enjoyed, take care!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Been there before Michael! What I saved in money, I paid for in sweat....multiple times over, LOL! Cheers man.

[@kevinrowbotham545]

That's a valuable warning anytime! Though In my case, the 'business' is on a farm and the 'businessman' is a farmer. He trusts me enough to deliver without pre-prepayment and take my personal cheque as payment for the load, and I trust him to bring what he says he will. In the unlikely event I am unhappy with it, I'll just refuse to accept the load.

[@chriswheeler6092]

I just got "topsoil "that had a large amount of mulch in it. They obviously used a dye because my plants have actually turned black. IT was bagged so I never would have expected it.

[@agod5608]

Thank. I knew this but putting it into a short video made review much easier to achieve.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers, thanks for watching! 🙂

[@kevinrowbotham545]

"Garden soil can be elusive." No truer words have ever been spoken. I've settled for sourcing 12 yards of topsoil from a rural source that has a soil analysis available. It is what I can get. I've also got two yards of organic manure ready to pick up today from an organic farmer I know. I wish I could get more though. Expanding the garden this year in the hope of growing more! Thanks for the video. Do you have any tips for turning topsoil into garden soil?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Kevin. The best way to turn topsoil into your lifelong garden soil is to GROW in it. Cover crops work wonders for conditioning new soils, truly!

[@ickiemickie]

Thanks for the info! Just started working at home Depot and someone asked what the differences were and I had no idea. Now I know what to sell to who!

[@richardwilliams3839]

I use a little bit of both top soil and garden soil and it works just great for me over the year’s potting soil I don’t put in my garden

[@TekedixXx]

You can technically use topsoil very effectively in the garden if you're smart about it. Last fall/winter, I added about half a yard of local top soil to a garden bed that was mostly filled with leaves and yard and grass clippings. I mixed all of that together, put about a half-inch of soil to cover it, and then put weed barrier over it to act as a mulch. I did this in October, and let the rain, snow and bugs work their magic over winter. This worked great, and the worms have really gone to town, you can't poke the ground without finding a bunch of big ones. I plan on going no-till after this year to maintain the bed's health long term and keep some persistent weeds down that used to be what grew in this bed lol

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yup, topsoil as a fill works wonders on the wallet too! Get that amending going early, row cover crops, introduce worms and organic matter......it'll convert to a good growing medium within a season! 🙂

[@VolCanixWorx]

​@@TheRipeTomatoFarms would it be ok to mix topsoil with mulch to add to the bottom of deep containers for potted vegetable?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@VolCanixWorx plants probably still grow, but I keep my mulch and topsoil at the top.

[@claudiabrown2021]

Thanks for this video I just bought two bags of organic soil I will be planting in small space have some seeds starting already

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Claudia, best of luck this season! :-)

[@dahutful]

I was surprised to learn that the ideal soil is: 25% - air 25% - water 45% - mineral (sand/silt/clay) 5% - organic matter This is kind of stunning when you look closely, especially that much-worshipped organic element... and most soils come in at less than 5% organic. This leads one to the obvious conclusion - we probably add too much organic matter to soil. This wastes money and resources. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it. Love you Jeff and thanks

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

So true David.....it really is. And the air component....people just don't grasp that one at all! Enjoy the weekend buddy!

[@bluedreamchicago9319]

I want half top soil and half coco. most bags arent dirt and ill add my own nutrients anyway

[@Alpha-ms9nj]

I mix up my own soil with 1/3 garden soil. 1/3 steer manure (from free roaming cattle we have here), and 1/3 peat moss. I screen everything through 1/4" screen board I made. I add nutrients like worm castings, bone meal, azomite, and others.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Perfect! Plants must love it! 🙂

[@skyistooblue2]

this was actually amazing

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Sky, glad you liked!

[@TheHudsonValleyWanderer]

Exactly what I was looking for

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers! Hope it helps.

[@fishingwithfilitsa]

Very nice👍👍

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks! :-)

[@izzyw3838]

Liked purely for the riders hat 😂

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Ha ha yessssss!

[@joj1252]

I’m finding bagged shop bought compost really poor quality this year. It’s full of stones & unbroken down chunks. Not like it used to be. Problem is I can’t make enough for what I need each year 🤷🏻‍♀️ great video Jeff 👍🏻

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

You are so right Jo.....bagged soil is definitely not was it used to be!

[@shirleyk623]

@Jo J. I bought bags of Kellogg's soil (the green and white striped bag). When I opened it a cloud of fungus nats flew out. It also had a lot of wood pieces in it. I haven't bought that type since.. The pink and white striped bag was ok and a lot finer.

[@joj1252]

@@shirleyk623 wow 🤩 your bag wins Shirley 🥇🤣 I count myself lucky & shall be opening my bags more carefully in future!!! What’s with the chunky rubbish compost?? Is it because they’re cutting down on peat or cutting corners & doing half a job 🤷🏻‍♀️ either way it’s very strange they’re ALL producing poor quality rubbish now 🤔

[@shirleyk623]

@@joj1252 yes I believe they're possibly cutting corners since there is an increased interest in gardening. The best thing to do is make it yourself if possible. I've collected old washing machine tubs and a 55 gallon drum for my worm/compost bins. They work great. It would be nice if we could check out the bags before bringing it home. I wish I would have contacted the manufacturer to see what they would do, but I didn't. I will next time. Happy Gardening 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@mikyahalbena-yasharal3387]

Picking the weeds out of my garden. Two things hit me: 1. This top soil is on its 2nd cycle. Where’s the drop in top soil level, you mentioned a couple videos ago? 2. I’m pulling “Marker-sticks,” that are NOT breaking down into the soil?!? CONCLUSION, I must not have active live microbes/ worms, in my beds?…. What you say?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Soil dropping depends on MANY things. Compaction may have already occurred, so the soil may not have any further to drop.

[@TheBeeWaxer]

Great explanation

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Bob, appreciate that!

[@nancydb1390]

That was helpful. Thanks.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Nancy, thanks for watching! 🙂

[@infinitelyblessed359]

Is it possible to mix garden soil with top soil then add the nutrients in it to keep the cost down? I really can't afford to buy tons of garden soil, but I was thinking I could mix the dirt with peat moss, and the other stuff.

[@zappbanannigan]

So, I have a couple bags of miracle gro organic raised bed and in-ground soil with compost. I should basically treat it as weak compost and mix with extra coir and some perlite/vermiculite to make it into a pitting mix? Maybe amend a little to supplemen?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I think if you can get some coir into it, plus some perlite, it could definitely be an adequate potting mix! 🙂

[@Donna_G]

Which is better, steer or poultry compost? Can the two be mixed together? Where I live, we have a type of soil called fill. Most housing developments use fill and it is almost impossible to grow anything in other than the most diehard of grasses.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I wouldn't say one is better than the other...but yes, they can definitely be mixed. I don't use animal manures myself. Cheers Donna!

[@richardwilliams3839]

Question garden lime is good for when u starting back up your garden right now

[@hollyjordan1307]

Thumbs up always...Apologies if you've answered this before but what you put in a grown bag?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Holly. You can grow almost ANYTHING in them! Sky's the limit! 🙂

[@hollyjordan1307]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms thanks for eesponding! would any soil work?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@hollyjordan1307 When going with grow bags, use a potting mix as they are essentially large pots.

[@mranderson5668]

For garden soil, do I spread it all over the area or spread it over regular dirt but in small patches with seeds? how deep should the garden soil be for a seed? Can i make my own garden soil? thanks!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I like to spread mine all around, but it also depends on how much you have and what you're growing. That could dictate your application. Yes, our gardens make soil all the time...! 🙂

[@ASD-ff2lz]

Hi. I really liked how you organise your garden. Do u mind sharing where u can buy seedling trays and those 1020 trays? Thanks sooo much!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks! Sure thing, what country are you in? I'll send you some links...

[@ASD-ff2lz]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms hi.. thanks for the response. I’m from Australia ☺️

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@ASD-ff2lz These are the kind you want.....just shop around for the best price!: www.amazon.com.au/Lightweight-Designed-Seedlings-Gardening-Microgreens/dp/B09HSTXN6Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OHXP6RVMTCN7&keywords=1020+nursery+trays&qid=1652767631&sprefix=1020+nursery+trays%2Caps%2C52&sr=8-1

[@sapopnusi]

I mixed top soil and potting soil. I hope this works

[@konk93]

I have two 8x4 raised beds I’m filling. Do you think top soil, compost, and peat moss would be good?

[@Abrham-j8s]

Where I want sowing myself that's the biggest thing I should have to do at this time

[@9realitycheck9]

Soil Health might be EVERYTHING! Maybe more than Water & Air Quality...yep.

[@Manuel3525m]

I have always growth in top soil citrus and vegetables haven’t had any issue

[@Mrkevi123]

What soil should i use for a 450 sq ft area? Its pure dirt at the moment and i want to plant grass seeds for a great lawn

[@main2333]

What’s the difference of raised bed and potting soil. I replanted my money tree. The braided one. It’s turning yellow and falling. Is it because it’s holding too much water? I thought it better for drainage

[@naughtyca131970]

what is best to use for propagating?

[@main2333]

Silk raised bed soil be ok for money tree. The one that’s braided?

[@supercomputer0448]

Top soli, also known as what I use in my pots because it's cheap. Throw a few banana peels in it to fertilize it.

[@beanblossomshorts]

Could you use top soil mixed with compost and fertilizer to fill up a raised bed for less money ?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

100% you can. You can even go further and fill the bottom of the raised bed with more raw materials like unfinished compost, branches, leaves, wood chips, etc. Then topsoil, then a decent compost mix. Within a season of rowing 2-3 crops you'll have a bed with a killer soil mix! 🙂

[@beanblossomshorts]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms great just don't have money to get a bunch of bagged soil to fill up 12 by 4 feet raised beds.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@beanblossomshorts Totally....and that's not a great way to do it either! :-)

[@marycollins6937]

Can you use garden soil with plants

[@marycollins6937]

Can you use garden soil for plants in a pots

[@shirleyk623]

What is the difference between compost made with worms and bagged worm castings. Are they the same? And if they are different how do they get only castings? Strange question I just always wondered what the difference is.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Worms and castings are just an amendment. Fantastic for your garden, but its just an additive for your soil, like microbes, or alfalfa meal, or any of the many many things you can add to improve yourr soils.

[@kevinrowbotham545]

Castings are the product of red wriggler or other composting worms. The worms eat the bacteria released by the microbes that breakdown organic matter and food wastes in a worm bin. The castings are usually screened to remove larger unprocessed bits of organic matter or worm bedding material from the castings before use. Castings can be one of the highest quality amendments for your garden but just like bagged compost and commercial soil products, unless you make it yourself you can't be sure of the quality.

[@kevinrowbotham545]

Mark, @ "I am organic gardening" has done a very interesting video on worm castings with soil analysis in the past.

[@shirleyk623]

@@kevinrowbotham545 Thanks for sharing that. I make my own compost with worms. I was just curious if my compost is similar to what is being sold. I realize that they all work composts are different according to what the worms are fed. I know when I have stray worm in my garden area, they leave a pile of poo on the surface of the soil. I have even seen them squirt out their excrements, I laughed so hard when I saw that. I do scoop that up to make a foliar spray or fertilizer tea. Thanks for letting me know about Mark's video, I'm going to go back and rewatch it. He's a great gardener. I like his channel. Happy Gardening 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@kevinrowbotham545]

@@shirleyk623 I'm sorry, I see now that I misinterpreted your original question. The answer is your worm castings may be far superior to anything you buy bagged. As you say, it depends on what the worms are fed and what is used for bedding, any supplements added, etc. Worms are fascinating! I particularly enjoy part two of Marks video, where he looks at the castings under a microscope. Best wishes for a plentiful harvest! 🙂

[@robertevans8024]

I bought some "organic" potting soil last year and I had Virginia creeper sprouting everywhere. 😠

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

The worst Robert.......I really hate store bought soil products sometimes.....

[@Alpha-ms9nj]

I had Lambsquarter in some of my store brought stuff. I didn't know what all those sprouts and plants were until I uploaded pictures to a plant identifier site. Turns out it is an edible weed so I left a few and ate em.

[@robertevans8024]

My daughter knows how much I love gardening. She wants to know when I'm going to " garden con " - a gathering of all the utube gardeners. 😍😂 Actually sounds like a great idea if it happened at a gardening/flower show.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@Alpha-ms9nj ha ha a free crop! 🙂

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@robertevans8024 If that happens Robert, I'm there! If I had the resource/knowledge/time/skill, I'd make that happen! 🙂

[@donaldplatfoot1203]

Garden soil is usually a little heavier than potting soil.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Most definitely. The peat/coco fiber really lighten up the potting mixes.

[@KindOfBland55]

i got garden soil instead of potting soil. can i use garden soil in a pot?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes, sometimes it's a bit heavier.... I usually just add some perlite and/or some coconut fiber. :-)

[@KindOfBland55]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms cool! thanks a lot

[@rosalindaguerrero254]

I went to buy soil and it looks more like bark and it says topsoil.

[@skrame01]

Why is potting soil different from garden soil.

[@reliefmango6]

🤏

[@JakeCannabisco]

I mix it all up, everything.. all the things and I compost my scraps and hair .. pee on that pile.😂