Adding topsoil

Gwennie01 · April 2021

I have clay soil which is looking a bit sparse.
I have bought a few tonnes of topsoil ( of a different consistency) to it.
Is it recommended to mix in with compost prior to adding to the garden and then plant, or add it as I plant?
Many thanks.

Dovefromabove · April 2021

Not clear ... how do you mean ‘add it as I plant’ ?

Obelixx · April 2021

I would worry that your clay soil will make a "pan" if just left unimproved and then covered with top soil. Clay soils are usually very fertile as they are full of minerals and retain moisture but when dry they become like concrete and when wet they become a bog.

The best way to improve the texture is to add a thick layer of fibrous mulch every autumn when plants go dormant. This can be well-rotted manure if you have a handy horse farm or well-rotted garden compost and both can be bough bagged, as soil improvers, form good GCs and DIYs. Done every autumn allows the time for worms and other soil organisms to work it into the deeper layers and open up the texture and release all that fertility to your plants.

I would therefore see if you can source some compost or manure and mix it with the topsoil before spreading it evenly and planting thru it.

Loxley · April 2021

I share Obelixx's concern about creating a 'pan' where the two soil types meet. I would try and create a rough, irregular interface between the old and new soil. When the existing soil is dry and 'crumbly', roughly break it up with a fork so the surface is rough and blocky. Lay a layer of your topsoil (and organic matter if you want) and very roughly fork the soil again - get the fork deep and lever upwards, so that the topsoil falls down into the gaps. Don't try and level or flatten it. You can then lay the rest of the topsoil over the top. I would then just let it settle for a bit and finally rake it to level.

Gwennie01 · April 2021

Many thanks for your advice.

Adding topsoil

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