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Sourcing quality topsoil for raised beds

LincsGardenLincsGarden Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hello all. I wonder if anyone would be able to advise on a reputable company selling topsoil of very good quality to use in raised beds where vegetables will be grown. I expect to need three bulk bags(depending on actual size). I am based in Grantham, Lincolnshire. I thought I had identified (online) a company based near Nottingham, Abbey Lawn Turf, but I have been unable to contact them on the phone, so feel it may be best not to proceed. Thank you very much in advance.

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
     @LincsGarden I used to live in Lincs, I would have assumed that there would be various good suppliers with such fertile land.
    When I lived there we did get some top soil from Bardney[sugar beat factory] not sure if it is still available. The cost is all in moving it and I would no longer be sure of it's quality but you could compare
    I haven't heard of Abbey Lawn Turf ,introducing new soil is not always a positive what occurs naturally to your garden is the best way to go, however I do understand you want it for raised beds.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • SlumSlum Posts: 385
    https://www.cpa-horticulture.co.uk/topsoil

    I haven’t used their topsoil but have bought other stuff from them which was good quality. 
  • LincsGardenLincsGarden Posts: 2
    Thank you GardenerSuze. The Bardney factory no longer exist but there is one in Newark. Unfortunately, they set minimum quantities way above what I need. It was a great idea though. Like you, I thought it would be easy to find local suppliers, but nothing comes up online (my internet skills are probably limited).

    Thank you Slum, I will look them up.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Slum said:
    https://www.cpa-horticulture.co.uk/topsoil

    I haven’t used their topsoil but have bought other stuff from them which was good quality. 
    I have used their topsoil - 25 ton of it and I get horse manure and mushroom compost from them too.
    Very pleased with the products.

    The topsoil I got was the stuff that @GardenerSuze mentions - silt washed from the beets. It has the consistency of flour.
    It is completely stone and grit free and thus quite sterile used on its own.
    I mixed in 5 ton of manure - I should have used more to add life and texture, so I dig in quite a lot each year - my raised beds are getting more raised each year, but the produce has been great.


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    We mixed ours with soil already in the garden. The property was new and possibly the first time veg had been grown in it. Caulis like footballs.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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