Which Type of Soil Should I Get?

Learn about the different types of soil and their purposes.

Have you ever went to the store to pick up some soil and were overwhelmed by the number of different options? There are many different soil types to pick from, and they all serve their own, unique purposes.

Which type of soil you should get depends on what you’ll be using it for. For example, are you planting a flower bed, or are you potting some houseplants? These two things would require different types of soil.

If you’re just not quite sure which soil is right for a particular job, Blain’s Farm & Fleet is here to help.

Topsoil

Topsoil is one of the most common soil types, and it can be used for a variety of different things. Topsoil is great for planting things in the ground. This can include vegetable or flower gardens. It works well as an addition to the soil that’s already in your yard.

For this reason, it’s also a good option for filling in small holes around your yard.

However, you shouldn’t use topsoil for anything that will be in a pot. On its own, it doesn’t have all the necessary nutrients plants need to survive. Plants in the ground can get these nutrients from the dirt that was already in your yard. But potted plants would have to fully rely on the topsoil.

Topsoil is also only meant to be used for outdoor planting. So you shouldn’t buy it for things like houseplants.

Garden Soil

Similar to topsoil, garden soil is an excellent choice for planting things in the ground. This can include fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more. It is specifically made to be mixed into the existing soil in your yard. And it will provide your plants with plenty of nutrients.

If your yard’s soil is lacking any nutrients, mixing in some garden soil should help. So if you feel like your in-ground plants aren’t thriving in their current environment, try adding in some garden soil. When using this soil, you should see much stronger results in your garden.

Again, it is only meant to be used for in-ground plants, not potted ones.

Raised Bed Soil

A raised bed is a garden bed that’s planted on top of your yard’s native soil. If this is the type of garden you have, you will need to get specific raised bed soil. Unlike regular in-ground gardens, you won’t really be mixing your new soil in with the soil already in your yard. Instead, you’ll be adding it to the top.

For this reason, topsoil and regular garden soil won’t work as well for raised beds. Raised bed soils are specially formulated to ensure your plants receive the proper nutrients. And they make sure your garden drains water correctly.

Potting Mix Soil

If you’re putting your plants in any sort of containers, you should use a potting mix soil. This can include flower pots and potted vegetable plants you keep on your patio. And it also includes any houseplants you might have.

Potting soil ensures that your plants will get all of the nutrients they need to thrive. It is also very lightweight, so they receive proper drainage.

If you’re using a potting soil mix, it’s important to remember that the soil will need to be changed about once a year to make sure your plants are always getting the freshest soil and nutrients possible.

These are the most common, basic soil types. However, there are many other kinds of soil that are specifically formulated for different types of plants. You don’t have to use them, but they could result in healthier, more flourishing plants.

For example, some people like to use an indoor plant-specific mix rather than just a regular potting soil for their houseplants. And there is even special soil for more finicky houseplants like bonsais and succulents that some prefer.

There is also soil meant specifically for use on new lawns, trees, and vegetables and herbs.

You can find soil types that are formulated for flowers, and even specific types of flowers, too.

There are other kinds of soil meant to help specific problems you may be having in your garden. For example, there are moisture control soils for people that tend to over- or under-water their plants.

To learn more about caring for your plants, visit our Gardening Blog.