Top Soil & Soil Mixtures

Organic gardening and organic fertilizer improves the soil and allows for better absorption of water and water-holding capacity. Soils that have organic matter provide beneficial nutrients to plants. It is important to improve soils prior to seeding or sodding. Pioneer carries a variety of soils and soil mixes. Be sure you are familiar with those that are sold by the cubic yard, and those sold by the ton. Typically fill dirt and topsoil are sold by the ton and weigh about 1.3 tons per yard. Soil mixes vary in weight depending upon moisture content and upon which materials are used in the soil mix.

TOPSOIL

Normally the top 6" to 12" growing medium of earth has about 5 to 10 percent organics; hence the dark color. Topsoil provides a good growing media for any plants. It usually needs fortification with compost, manure or peat moss, which provides both fertilization and water retention.

Most stores sell screened and unscreened topsoil. Unscreened is normally referred to as "Fill Dirt". It will normally contain soil chunks or clods, and some rock. Screened topsoil is processed through a screening/shredding plant. This process removes most clumps and rock.

SOD MIX

Sod Mix is made of 60% screened fill dirt, 30% mulch, and 10% sand. Sod Mix is an excellent mixture for sod, flower gardens, and is a excellent base material for all growing needs. This soil mixture is used when a little extra water retention is desired such as the above ground planters or flower pots where evaporation occurs more quickly.

SANDY LOAM

33% screened fill dirt, 33% mulch, 33% manure. Sandy Loam is A great medium for vegetable gardens and other applications that utilize the warmth and micro nutrients of manure.

MULCH MIX

50% mulch and 50% manure. This blend is primarily used for winter seeding and is distributed in a ¼” layer over the seed. The mulch helps retain moisture while the manure provides warmth and micro-nutrients to the seeds.

MANURE

Composted cow manure is mildly acidic, which is beneficial for the alkaline soils in this area. It is good for gardening, providing fertilization and water retention. The high organic content makes it a good mix for loosening clay soils. Manure should not be used straight; it must be tilled into the soil (2" of manure to 6" of soil). Normally sold after being composted and shredded or in prepared soil mixes. "