What is Top Soil and why you cannot buy it

[@stevieb6173]

excellent instruction ,again ,i m a gardener and that is exactly what i do each year , and my mantra is don't compact it ,dig it , add a bit of organic matter ,let it sit and plant into it, and stay off it as much as you can

[@PlantedwithIanCooke]

I feel soil compaction is the number 1 cause of plant failure. It restricts everything in the soil. Happy digging

[@wizardking10]

beautiful soil and great explanation of top soil, sooo many worms!!!

[@jeffreygmarshall]

I have clay soil on top of a ridge. If I plant fruit trees in well amended soil, then start what you show here every year, will that be enough to grow good trees?

[@PlantedwithIanCooke]

That is a big question. A quality small tree, suitable for your climate, planted properly in none compacted soul, with adequate water supply to help get established and you will do fine.

[@jeffreygmarshall]

@@PlantedwithIanCooke Thank you for replying. What do I do about compacted clay about 8 inches down? On a ridge the topsoil is not the best.

[@PlantedwithIanCooke]

@@jeffreygmarshall overly amended soil tricks the plant into initial growth and it will be set back when faced with the underlying conditions. 5% growing medium mixed into a large wide planting pit is the best solution. Dig wide, not deep and get new roots established.

[@leminhk]

Good❤