How to Build Topsoil
Building topsoil is very simple to do on your own. You can purchase it in store or from a nursery, or create it in your own backyard. Topsoil is built with natural components, such as plants, which over time become useable topsoil.
To build topsoil, you have two options: purchase it or make it. Purchasing is quick, easy and will get you working on your garden in no time. Making it means composting, which is a great way to do it, but it will take time. It can take up to a full year for compost to be topsoil ready.
Building with purchased topsoil
Supplies
- Bags or truck loads of topsoil
- Shovel
- Hard rake
Directions
- Purchase you topsoil from a garden center or nursery.
- Break up and turn the existing soil using the shovel. You can choose to use a rototiller for this step if you have one available.
- Add the purchased topsoil and rake it into the turned soil. Once this has been combined well, you will be able to plant.
Building with Compost soil
Supplies
- Plant and food scraps
- Compost bin (an area set aside for compost will work as well)
- Shovel
- Rake
Directions
- Create an area for compost; fill it with grass cuttings and kitchen scraps. Use leftover vegetable, fruit and egg shells.
- Turn the compost each week and add water occasionally. Within three months you should start to notice a breakdown and new soil appearing.
- Break up and turn the existing soil using the shovel. You can choose to use a rototiller for this step if you have one available.
- Add the composted soil and rake it into the turned soil. Once this has been combined well, you will be able to plant.