Topsoil

Any recommendations for decent/cheap suppliers? I need some to build up my drooping edges!! (ooer!)But only about 500kg, do suppliers only sell by the tonne?

 

Probably cheaper to buy a tonne than 500kg in small bags. You can always bag up any left over and use it as a base for JI compost. If there's building work going on near you, you might be able to persuade someone to let you have a small trailer load.

Make sure you check out the supply first - a lot of so called topsoil can be just a load of stones with a bit of dirt on.

 

Look for road builders and heavy construction. They dig this stuff up,mix it, and sell it loose to the trade. If you have a pick-up they will attempt to put in what you need at very little expense. Make sure it is 30mm or finer screened and BS standard. Doesn't mean it's good, just that it won't be terrible. Stuff in a bag is usually poor in my experience. Also try British Sugar (seriously) - they are the major producer of recycled topsoil in the UK. They wash it off the sugar beets. Now how bizarre is that?

 

Thanks people!

Hard to imagine THAT much soil gets washed off the beets isn't it?!

 

Just go to a suplier of soil / stones / pebbles etc. They will sell you graded topsoil so no stones etc to rake out afterwards. Most larger supliers have a weigh system. You drive on and they weigh car and trailer. Go get what you need and tell the driver when you have enough and get weighed on the way out. I did this last week and had 1/2 tonne graded topsoil for only �£5
so forget the roadworks or the building sites that has soil for the gardens in the new houses it will be full of stones of various sizes and not worth the effort.

John.

John.

 

Go to a turf farm, they sell top qualty soil for laying/levelling before turfin. �£42 a tonne bag. I inspected some before i laid my turf was absolutely flawless, in contrast to the sh1te offered to me by waste management companies which was full of rubble and refuse unspeakables. Just my opinion from experience.

BM

 

Well, thanks guys, we didnt end up needing any - yay!!
I can't believe I got advice off Banana Man - what an honour!!

 

our local civic amenities site gives it away free come and collect

 

Glad to be of assistance jay , and welcome diviy from swansea 1st post :D