Putting Down New Grass In A Large Area – What Is Better, Topsoil Or Compost?
Many homeowners needing to reseed their lawn often have trouble deciding to use topsoil or compost. Some people even think topsoil and compost are one in the same. Actually, there is a big difference between the two. If you are putting down new grass in a large area of your yard, then keep reading to learn if you should be planting your grass seed in topsoil or compost.
A Quick Look At Topsoil
Topsoil is the top layer of the earth, which extends about 6 to 10 inches from the ground surface. It's made of silt, sand, clay, minerals, nutrients, and a small amount of organic matter. The organic matter includes decaying plants, fungi, insects, and other creatures. This is the layer of dirt that plants grow in.
Topsoil is the most fertile part of the earth's soil. It holds vital nutrients to keep plants alive, absorbs gas and water for plant growth, and prevents erosion from wind and rain. If you are planting new grass, you're best bet for a beautiful lawn is to plant the seeds directly on nutrient-rich topsoil.
Compost In A Nutshell
Compost is the rich, soil-like end product resulting from the controlled decomposition of organic material. It's made of a wide range of material, including vegetable scraps, yard trimmings, manures, paper products, egg shells, and wood chips. Compost is more like a natural fertilizer. It is often too potent to use alone for planting grass seed, and can prevent the seeds from growing. Sometimes, the seeds will "burn" from the excess minerals and nutrients.
The Perfect Combination Of Topsoil And Compost
If you're soil isn't rich, or you are looking for the greenest and most lush lawn in the neighborhood, then the best thing you can do is plant your seeds in a mixture of topsoil and compost. The compost will embellish the topsoil in your yard by encouraging the growth of micro-organisms that break down matter and fertilize plants. The compost is a soil-conditioning agent that will insulate and protect grass seed as it grows.
How To Plant Seeds In Topsoil And Compost
The best time of the year to plant grass seed is in the spring or fall. Start by tilling the top 4 inches of soil. Then put down a 1/3-1/2 inch layer of compost on top of the tilled topsoil. You can calculate exactly how much compost you'll need in cubic feet by multiplying the width and length of the grass-less area, and then multiply that figure by 1/3. Then lightly rake the area. Now put a generous layer of seed on top of the compost. Then, lightly water the seeded area daily until you have a beautiful new lawn. Contact a business, such as Metro Sod & Seeding Inc, for more information.