Does Topsoil Need to Be Compacted: The Specifics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Topsoil](\"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Topsoil-put-into-retaining-wall-acting-as-vegetable-garden-planter-1024x576.jpg\")
Topsoil put into retaining wall acting as vegetable garden planter<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAt first glance, topsoil may look ready for your plants and seeds. However, the problem is often much deeper than the top layer. Even if you insert your finger in the soil and check for compaction, you might be able to do so for the top 3 to 5 inches, at most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This would mean that\u00a0your seedlings may thrive in the beginning and show signs of healthy growth but as their roots try to penetrate the 5-inch barrier, they may find some resistance because of the compacted soil<\/a>. This would impede their ability to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNew construction homes<\/u><\/a>\u00a0or newly constructed\u00a0houses invite heavy foot and machine traffic, which in turn leads to compacted\u00a0soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEvery plant needs a loose soil structure. You don\u2019t have to compact topsoil for good growth. Just remember to water the soil a few times before you actually plant anything. The natural settling process is enough for plants. <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nGrass roots <\/strong>require at least 3 inches of loose topsoil to grow in. They will automatically take hold of the soil and bring the soil closer together \u2013 you don\u2019t have to do a thing. In fact, grass roots can become so strong that they\u2019ll be able to handle foot traffic or light machinery as well \u2013 even without compacting. Herbs require 3-5 inches of loose topsoil and compost (at least) to grow. They will thrive, however, if they have more room to grow. 10 inches is more than enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor vegetables that grow above the soil<\/strong>, for example egg plants, okra, chilies, cabbage, spinach, mustard, legumes, and more require at least 6 inches to grow and 10-12 inches to thrive. The soil must remain loose and lightly <\/em>compacted. Tomato, a fruit, falls under the same category.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor vegetables that grow below the soil, <\/strong>you need at least 10 inches of loose soil to grow and around 16-20 inches (at least) to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFruits <\/strong>are extremely fragile when seedlings whereas, vegetables are relatively resilient. If your fruit\u2019s seed doesn\u2019t have the right conditions, it won\u2019t even try to grow! You need very loose and light soil around the seedling for it to grow. The top 4-6 inches must be loose in order to facilitate seedling growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, fruit seeds become much more resilient as they grow. No matter how much space they have, they will grow into it \u2013 even compacted soil. As a general rule, we recommend you give them 8-10 inches of loose soil just to be sure. After that, even if there is heavily compacted dirt underneath, the plant will make do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Do I Need to Do to Prepare My Topsoil?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While topsoil doesn\u2019t need to be compacted, you will have to loosen it every now and then with a rake or a hoe. This is because weeds are very resilient plants and can grow in even the harshest of conditions \u2013 all they need is water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As soil gets watered, dries up, and gets watered again, it creates a crust at the top that covers the mulch and other organisms inside. This is good since it prevents the growth of weeds. However, if the soil doesn\u2019t get watered as frequently, chances are that the soil will start to harden. This happens when there is too much clay content in the topsoil and not enough water.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/A-garden-planter-with-loose-top-soil-238x300.jpg\")
A garden planter with loose top soil<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nYou will have to manually hoe your lawn every now and then \u2013 especially before planting a new plant. When hoeing, remember that right after you are done, your soil will have roughly 70% air content between particles<\/a>. You are going to have to compact it down to 50%<\/strong>. The best way to do that is by watering it once or twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTo achieve that, you should ideally hoe the existing topsoil and add a 3-inch layer of compost, or a mix of topsoil and compost. Mix the soil using a hoe or a 6-inch auger bit on your drill. Go at least 6 inches deep to give all your plants a fighting chance. This will mimic the conditions plants are more likely to find in forests. Water the soil once and wait a day before planting anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t just lay <\/strong>a <\/strong>3-inch layer of compost, soil, or a blend of the two and expect your plants to flourish. Not only will your plants suffer, you will also end up creating drainage problems. <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDepending on the preparations you\u2019ve already made to your area, you may not have to compact your topsoil at all. If you have raked the topsoil or dug slightly to remove all the weeds thoroughly<\/em>, create a level surface and then walk over the soil once. Keep your feet close and try to cover the whole area at least once. Then, leave it to settle or simply water it. If, while walking, you find that there are any soft spots, relevel the area by dragging some fill there and then walking over it. Make sure all areas are level and you\u2019re done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At first glance, topsoil may look ready for your plants and seeds. However, the problem is often much deeper than the top layer. Even if you insert your finger in the soil and check for compaction, you might be able to do so for the top 3 to 5 inches, at most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This would mean that\u00a0your seedlings may thrive in the beginning and show signs of healthy growth but as their roots try to penetrate the 5-inch barrier, they may find some resistance because of the compacted soil<\/a>. This would impede their ability to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New construction homes<\/u><\/a>\u00a0or newly constructed\u00a0houses invite heavy foot and machine traffic, which in turn leads to compacted\u00a0soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every plant needs a loose soil structure. You don\u2019t have to compact topsoil for good growth. Just remember to water the soil a few times before you actually plant anything. The natural settling process is enough for plants. <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Grass roots <\/strong>require at least 3 inches of loose topsoil to grow in. They will automatically take hold of the soil and bring the soil closer together \u2013 you don\u2019t have to do a thing. In fact, grass roots can become so strong that they\u2019ll be able to handle foot traffic or light machinery as well \u2013 even without compacting. Herbs require 3-5 inches of loose topsoil and compost (at least) to grow. They will thrive, however, if they have more room to grow. 10 inches is more than enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For vegetables that grow above the soil<\/strong>, for example egg plants, okra, chilies, cabbage, spinach, mustard, legumes, and more require at least 6 inches to grow and 10-12 inches to thrive. The soil must remain loose and lightly <\/em>compacted. Tomato, a fruit, falls under the same category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For vegetables that grow below the soil, <\/strong>you need at least 10 inches of loose soil to grow and around 16-20 inches (at least) to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fruits <\/strong>are extremely fragile when seedlings whereas, vegetables are relatively resilient. If your fruit\u2019s seed doesn\u2019t have the right conditions, it won\u2019t even try to grow! You need very loose and light soil around the seedling for it to grow. The top 4-6 inches must be loose in order to facilitate seedling growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, fruit seeds become much more resilient as they grow. No matter how much space they have, they will grow into it \u2013 even compacted soil. As a general rule, we recommend you give them 8-10 inches of loose soil just to be sure. After that, even if there is heavily compacted dirt underneath, the plant will make do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While topsoil doesn\u2019t need to be compacted, you will have to loosen it every now and then with a rake or a hoe. This is because weeds are very resilient plants and can grow in even the harshest of conditions \u2013 all they need is water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As soil gets watered, dries up, and gets watered again, it creates a crust at the top that covers the mulch and other organisms inside. This is good since it prevents the growth of weeds. However, if the soil doesn\u2019t get watered as frequently, chances are that the soil will start to harden. This happens when there is too much clay content in the topsoil and not enough water.<\/p>\n\n\n You will have to manually hoe your lawn every now and then \u2013 especially before planting a new plant. When hoeing, remember that right after you are done, your soil will have roughly 70% air content between particles<\/a>. You are going to have to compact it down to 50%<\/strong>. The best way to do that is by watering it once or twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To achieve that, you should ideally hoe the existing topsoil and add a 3-inch layer of compost, or a mix of topsoil and compost. Mix the soil using a hoe or a 6-inch auger bit on your drill. Go at least 6 inches deep to give all your plants a fighting chance. This will mimic the conditions plants are more likely to find in forests. Water the soil once and wait a day before planting anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t just lay <\/strong>a <\/strong>3-inch layer of compost, soil, or a blend of the two and expect your plants to flourish. Not only will your plants suffer, you will also end up creating drainage problems. <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the preparations you\u2019ve already made to your area, you may not have to compact your topsoil at all. If you have raked the topsoil or dug slightly to remove all the weeds thoroughly<\/em>, create a level surface and then walk over the soil once. Keep your feet close and try to cover the whole area at least once. Then, leave it to settle or simply water it. If, while walking, you find that there are any soft spots, relevel the area by dragging some fill there and then walking over it. Make sure all areas are level and you\u2019re done!<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Do I Need to Do to Prepare My Topsoil?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n