Garden Soil

Match soil to use: vegetables and flowers prefer loamy, well-draining soil with organic matter; lawns do best with topsoil that grades into existing turf and has good drainage; for containers use a labeled potting mix rather than garden soil to ensure aeration and water retention

Check texture (loam, sandy, clay), organic content or compost percentage, drainage and water-retention claims, pH range, and any added nutrients or amendments such as slow-release fertilizer or lime/gypsum

Soil is commonly sold by bag volume (quarts, liters) or by cubic yard for bulk; calculate area × depth (for example, 1 cubic yard covers about 100 sq ft at 3 inches depth) and convert to bag quantities using the bag’s listed volume

Prices vary by volume, formulation, and brand; expect lower-cost bagged topsoil and bulk soil for large fills, mid-range amended garden soils for beds, and premium mixes for containers; shoppers often find options under $50 for small bags and higher per-unit costs for specialty mixes

A basic soil test for pH and nutrient levels is recommended for new beds; amend based on test results—add compost to improve structure, lime to raise pH, sulfur to lower pH, and specific fertilizers to correct nutrient deficiencies

Store unopened bags in a cool, dry place out of direct sun; opened bags should be sealed or kept under cover to prevent moisture and pests; organic mixes can lose some microbial activity over months but remain usable for a season if kept dry

Common additives include compost, peat or coconut coir for moisture retention, perlite or vermiculite for aeration, sand for drainage, and slow-release fertilizers; choose based on needs—improve drainage with sand/perlite, increase water retention with coir/peat, and add compost for nutrients