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Vegetable Gardening

New to gardening, in need of some advice for growing veg!

7 years ago

I'm new to the gardening world, and am looking to start growing vegetables. I've seen quite a few posts on topsoil on other forums, but don't really know where best to go to get some.
I've searched online and I don't know whether to get a pack from a big brand like homebase? Is it good quality?

http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/homebase-top-soil---25l-435829

Or maybe a local company? Is there going to be much of a difference?

http://www.buryhilltopsoilandlogs.co.uk/premium-grade-topsoil-loams-c-2.html

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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Comments (4)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
7 years ago
Hi Tom - since you are in the UK it is highly probable that the soil in your garden is perfectly fine for growing vegetables. Unless you are in a new house which has had the topsoil removed by the builder there is absolutely no need at all to buy in extra soil. Start a compost heap and use the results in your garden. Alternatively use trench composting. Until your own compost is ready you could buy some sacks of composted manure or something similar but to be perfectly honest with you I have grown vegetables on my allotment for decades and never bought in anything except an occasional load of farmyard manure and some pelleted chicken manure. Manufacturers are set on selling and they prey on beginners with all sorts of 'advice' about what you need. Trying to flog top soil to people who don't need it is a scam in my view.

In your first season I suggest you just thoroughly cultivate the soil you have and see what happens. Don't spend any more money than necessary for basic tools and materials just in case it turns out you are not such a keen gardener after all.

BTW - most posters on this site are based in the US where gardening habits are rather different and a lot of interventions appear to be the norm. One example is the use of soil tests which are rare in the UK outside commercial outfits. UK methods are much more laid back, possibly because our climate is relatively forgiving and our soils tend to be pretty amenable everywhere.
Tom Kavanagh
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for your reply!

Exactly the information I needed. And it also saves me some money as well, at least in the short term.

I'll definitely try using my own compost, and may get some manure just to give it that extra kick. Now I just need to decide on something to grow!
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daninthedirt (USDA 9a, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)
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Yes, be very careful about "topsoil", which is a totally undefined product, and to the beginning consumer, seems to just mean "good soil!" In fact, you don't have a clue what soil so marked is taken off of the top of. Could be taken off of the top of some pretty crummy soil. As floral says, your best strategy is to liberally amend your native soil with compost. If you buy your compost, be sure to do so from a reputable dealer, and make sure the compost is certified.

Can I presume, from your links, that you are in the UK? Not exactly sure what compost certification looks like there. Floral_uk should advise.
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
7 years ago
Hi again Tom. You need to get the plot dug before you sow or plant anything. Have you done that? At this time of year you can start sowing easy stuff like peas, broad beans and lettuce. I'd really recommend a good basic veg and fruit growing book. I haven't bought one for years so I can't really recommend anything. But the RHS grow fruit and veg guide is probably a good bet.
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