What is garden soil?
Garden soil is a ready blend of screened topsoil and organic matter, made for planting straight into. It is richer than plain topsoil and cheaper than potting compost, which makes it a good all round choice for beds and borders.
Garden soil, topsoil or compost?
Garden soil
Topsoil with compost already mixed in.
Best for new beds and borders
Topsoil
Plain screened soil with fewer nutrients.
Best for lawns and levelling
Compost
Pure organic matter. Too rich on its own.
Best mixed in or spread on top
Potting mix
Light and free draining, made for containers.
Best for pots and planters
How deep should it be?
How does the calculation work?
Volume (m³) = area (m²) × depth (m)
A new border 6 m by 1 m at 15 cm: 6 × 0.15 = 0.9 m³. That is 900 litres, or 18 bags of 50 L, and weighs a little over a tonne.
Bags or bulk?
Bags are easy for small jobs but add up fast. Above about 1 m³, ask for a bulk bag. Garden soil weighs roughly 1.1 to 1.3 tonnes per cubic metre, more when wet.