Some growers use a soil mix containing "Topsoil"; while others insist on using a "Soilless" mix - why? What's wrong with topsoil? What are the Pro's & Con's? Is it just a personal preference, or are there some serious consequences? I'm talking about "Good" topsoil, the store bought kind (in bags).
WHAT'S WRONG WITH SOIL?
- Thread starter T.H.Cammo
- Start date
Moflow
Well-Known Member
The only difference I've found with topsoil taken from my garden - a sandy loam - and peat compost is the topsoil weighs a ton compared to the compost. I move my pots about a lot so it's easier on my back. That's the con for me.
I mix a couple of handfuls of the topsoil in with the peat compost.
I don't think there's much difference otherwise.
I mix a couple of handfuls of the topsoil in with the peat compost.
I don't think there's much difference otherwise.
blueberrymilkshake
Well-Known Member
Soil scares me. All kinds.
Hollatchaboy
Well-Known Member
Topsoil is for the ground, outside. Soilless mix is for container plants.
I think the topsoil is too dense to be used in a pot. Try an experiment, fill two same size pots, one with dry soil-less (potting soil) mix and the other with dry top soil. Weigh each pot and see how they compare.
The peat compost in the potting soil allows the roots to grow easily, allows air to get to the roots, and allows water to circulate and drain well. That is (I believe) more difficult in a container full of dense top soil, which will likely turn to mud when it is watered. See how long it then takes to dry out compared to potting soil.
I once worked in a compost facility, we sold compost and top soil by the truck load. Guess how we made top soil? It was just compost mixed with 10% sand.
LuvmethemQts
Member
Are you referring to a bag of topsoil or to a bag of soil that contains "topsoil"?
Either way, as someone else mentioned not all topsoil is the same. Even within the same brand, the ingredients will vary from region to region.
Either way, as someone else mentioned not all topsoil is the same. Even within the same brand, the ingredients will vary from region to region.
Babalonian
Well-Known Member
From my experiment/experience, “good” store bought topsoil, while engineered to be “good” for most/all plants, is not inherently “great” soil for any specific plant….
At least not the stuff I’ve found straight out of the bag and with cannabis, but imho.
Im sure there are exceptions, but I haven’t found it. Our favorite plants like it dryer and more aerated than how most mixes come. Thus, the lord gave us Perlite Jesus. Add 25-45% (approx) more to your mix. I was stubborn to accept adding so much perlite to my mixes, only most soil recipes you look through use it, and lots of it usually, but you too can step into the light, embrace perlite Jesus, and he will reward your plants with love.
simpleleaf
Well-Known Member
I thought growing only in Premium Topsoil didn't allow enough air space in the rootzone, seemed too dense and compact to me. Plants grew fine though.
Herb & Suds
Well-Known Member
Perlite Jesus 
twentyeight.threefive
Well-Known Member
You want to buy my perlite? I have no use for it.Perlite Jesus
You're talking about straight topsoil, I'm talking about a soil mix containing topsoil, compost, perlite, etc..
ShawnSunshine
Well-Known Member
Most bags of "Topsoil" that I have seen for sale are cut with compost (at least 50-50). And yes, of course topsoil varies from region to region; I suppose that would make it, somewhat, unpredictable.
I like using topsoil as an ingredient in my soil mix recipe, I just wonder why some folks don't.
True dat!
Again, I don't use straight topsoil to grow in. My recipe is 25% topsoil, 25% compost, 25% perlite and 25% various nutrients, fertilizers and manures.
simpleleaf
Well-Known Member
From the depths of Hell perlite cometh forth...Perlite Jesus
I couldn't agree more! Glad to hear it worked though, as I've never tried it.
Hollatchaboy
Well-Known Member
Whatever works for you. You asked what's wrong with it. We told you, it's heavy and muddy. It's not ideal, but it can be grown in, obviously.