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Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
Welcome to the Garden Ninja Gardening Forum! If you have a gardening question that you can't find answers to then ask below to seek help from the Garden Ninja army! Please make your garden questions as specific and detailed as possible so the community can provide comprehensive answers in the online forum below.
Welcome to the ultimate beginner gardening and garden design forum! Where no gardening question is too silly or obvious. This online gardening forum is run by Lee Burkhill, the Garden Ninja from BBC 1’s Garden Rescue and a trusted group of experienced gardeners.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert gardener, it’s a safe place to ask garden-related questions for garden design or planting. If you have a problem in your garden or need help, this is the Garden Forum for you! (See forum rules & moderation policy here)
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Soil help for New garden borders and raised beds
Hi @tinkm
Great question about new soil improvement for newly renovated garden borders, raised beds and flower beds.
The quick answer is if you're bringing in good quality soil you shouldn't need any fertilizer or soil improvers for the first few years. However, not everyone shares the same idea of what is a quality top soil. Some unscrupulous builders or landscapers will bring in the cheapest soil and claim it's premium, after all, how would most new gardeners know?!
The way to tell is by grabbing a handful of top soil from the bulk bag and seeing how fine it is, the finer the structure, the more it has been screened. You don't want to be seeing huge chunks of glass or plastic in it. Believe me, some cheap topsoil is so full of debris it's not worth having!
It's not just the fine structure but the colour and smell. If it's been blended enough with organic matter, as well as soils, the three main particles, clay, sand and silt, it should smell EARTHY, not eggy or like ammonia. If it smells eggy, it's still breaking down and should be left for a few weeks or months before planting, as this ammonia stage can and will harm, if not kill, the plants, as it's still breaking down.
How much should I spend on top soil for my garden?
Here a walk through the different grades of top soil so you have an idea about how much quality top soil costs in the UK and what to watch out for.
In the UK, bulk topsoil grading refers to the different classifications of soil based on its texture, quality, and suitability for various projects. The grading types ensure that the soil is appropriate for use in landscaping, construction, and agricultural activities. The common types of topsoil grading and the associated price ranges are as follows:
1.BS3882 Standard Topsoil
BS3882 is the British Standard for topsoil. It ensures that the topsoil meets specific quality criteria, such as pH level, texture, and contaminants. This type of topsoil is most commonly used for general landscaping, gardens, and lawns. The grading includes various grades within the BS3882 standard, typically categorized into 3 main types (Grade A, B, and C).
The price range for bulk topsoil is typically £30 - £50 per tonne or £35 - £60 per cubic metre. It is commonly used for landscaping, horticulture, turfing, and general gardening.
2.Premium or High-Quality Topsoil
This type of soil is screened for a finer texture and is free from larger stones and debris. It often includes organic matter such as compost, making it ideal for high-quality gardens, lawn areas, or vegetable beds. It is considered a premium grade with good consistency, no large particles, and balanced nutrient content.
The price range for premium topsoil is £50 - £80 per tonne or £60 - £100 per cubic metre. This grade is suitable for high-end landscaping, premium lawns, and planting beds.
3.Landscaping Topsoil (Screened)
This is topsoil that has been screened to remove larger particles and debris. It may still contain some larger organic material but is generally considered good for general landscaping purposes. Typically, it contains a mix of loam with organic matter, though it is not as refined as premium topsoil.
The price range for landscaping topsoil is £25 - £40 per tonne or £30 - £50 per cubic metre. This soil is commonly used for general landscaping, lawn areas, and garden beds.
4.Agricultural or Farm Topsoil
This is a more affordable, less refined type of soil, often sourced from agricultural sites. It may have a coarser texture and may contain more clay and debris compared to other grades. Agricultural topsoil is suitable for agricultural purposes or when improving soil quality in large areas.
The price range for agricultural topsoil is £15 - £30 per tonne or £20 - £40 per cubic metre.
This type of soil is typically used for agricultural fields, large garden projects, or areas where the soil will be further amended.
5.Topsoil with Added Fertilizer
Some bulk topsoil is enriched with fertilizers or organic matter to improve its nutrient content. This type of soil is designed to promote plant growth in areas where soil fertility may be poor. It contains added nutrients for better growth of plants and grass.
The price range for topsoil with added fertilizer is £50 - £90 per tonne or £55 - £95 per cubic metre.
This soil is often used for garden beds, lawns, and vegetable plots.
6.Peat-Free Topsoil
This type of topsoil is environmentally friendly as it contains no peat. It’s mixed with organic materials like compost or wood chips to improve soil structure and fertility. It is considered an organic or peat-free blend.
The price range for peat-free topsoil is £40 - £70 per tonne or £45 - £80 per cubic metre.
It is commonly used in environmentally conscious landscaping, vegetable gardens, and allotments.
Factors Affecting Price
Bulk deliveries often come with additional charges based on distance, volume, and location. Local deliveries may cost less, while long-distance shipments can increase the overall price.
Larger orders (e.g., bulk orders of 10-20 tonnes) may come with discounts, while smaller orders tend to be more expensive per tonne or per cubic metre.
Prices can fluctuate depending on the season, with higher demand during spring and summer months for garden design projects.
Do let us know how you get on and hope this guide has been helpful.
Lee Burkhill
Lee Burkhill, known as the Garden Ninja, is an award-winning garden designer and horticulturist with over 30 years of gardening experience and 15 years as a professional garden designer. A qualified RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) professional, Lee specialises in sustainable garden design and practical horticultural advice. He designs and presents on BBC1’s Garden Rescue and in leading gardening publications. Lee combines three decades of hands-on gardening knowledge with professional design qualifications to help gardeners create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
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