Spring is in full swing and if you’re looking to get your lawn and garden in the best shape possible, you’ll want to use the highest-quality landscaping materials to strengthen the structure of your soil.
Want to know the difference between compost and topsoil, and their respective benefits? While they might be similar enough in appearance, we all know that dirt is never just dirt, and not all soil is equal. Providing the right nutrients can make a big difference in the health of your lawn and garden!
The Difference Between Compost and Topsoil
We’re likely all familiar with composting. It’s the process of allowing organic materials such as food waste, grass clippings and yard waste, coffee grounds, egg shells and manure to decompose, producing a material that is high in nutrients. The result is a compost that will amend soil to improve plant growth in landscaping and garden beds.
Compost
Lenz Enterprises produces both regular and organic compost. While both are made from organic matter, our regular compost consists of food waste and yard waste, while our organic compost is made from approved, select organic sources — mostly brush from land clearing. Which one is better? It depends on your needs and preferences!
There are a lot of benefits to using compost. Not only does it boost soil’s nutrients (and pass those nutrients on to your plants), it also improves soil structure, fertility, water absorption, and can even control weeds. Remember, healthier soil is stronger soil.
In addition to all compost can do for your lawn and garden, it can also help reduce your carbon footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
“When food and other organic materials decompose in a landfill where anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions are present, bacteria break down the materials and generate methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Municipal solid waste landfills are the third largest source of human-related methane emissions in the U.S, accounting for approximately 14% of methane emissions in 2021. Wasted food is responsible for 58% of landfill methane emissions.”
Using compost in your garden means you’re keeping material out of landfills, helping to prevent methane emissions. Plus, as the EPA points out, because compost helps with water absorption in soil, it can retain moisture longer so you conserve water and prevent pollution runoff from getting into our water sources.
Topsoil
Topsoil is a dark, rich soil used for landscaping, gardening, and amending low-quality areas. An article from House Digest notes that “Topsoil is found 5 to 10 inches on the surface; it is densely concentrated with organic matter, and most of the earth’s biological activities occur there.”
Think of topsoil as the workhorse for your lawn and garden. It provides many of the necessary nutrients and much of the moisture retention needed for your plants to thrive, but not everything (that’s why we need compost).
The House Digest article goes on to state: “Choosing the right topsoil is very important for the well-being of your plants as it is the foundation of your garden.” Because topsoil does so much and is the main bed for your plants, you need to make sure you source a high-quality option like Lenz’s competitively priced, premium GardenBlenz soils that are specially formulated to support your lawn and garden.
Compost & Topsoil, A Winning Team!
Now that you know the role each material plays, make sure you’re using a quality top soil and compost blend to yield the best results for your plants and landscaping projects. Topsoil will provide the volume of soil you need, while compost comes in with its nutrient-boosting properties.
According to Gardening Etc. a compost-topsoil mixture is also a good option for potting and container gardening. Don’t forget, adding fertilizer that is designed for the plants you’re growing will help provide them with the specific nutrients they need.
If you’re new to gardening and lawn maintenance, or just want a little extra guidance, stop by Lenz’s retail yard. Their team can help answer your questions and review your soil and compost options.
And if you need bark, crushed rock, round rock, sand, or other landscaping materials for your yard, Lenz Enterprises carries a wide range of bulk products you can purchase by the truckload or have delivered. Learn more by visiting their website or calling 360-629-2933!