Bought topsoil full of small stone (Picture)

s r

I bought 2 tones of topsoil online, their website describes as "Bordersoil Mix", I paid a bit extra than normal topsoil, I thought it's better. It was looks fine when delivered in the bulk bag, brown colour, and moderate moisture, I spread all of it in my garden, and a light rain came later, after 2 days the top layer dried out, I clear noticed there are full of small stones, but they are not big, all size are under 10mm, I have tried to pick them up, but seems take ages.

Any one got idea is that ok for new grass seeds sowing. Many thanks!

Borderline

I must admit, I would think it's the other way round. I'm expecting topsoil to be more expensive than bordersoil mix. If this is not for lawns, and for borders, it should not be an issue. I wouldn't recommend that for a lawn topsoil though.

Last edited: 28 May 2017 13:25:56

glasgowdan

It's normal though stonier than I'd say ideal. 

Last edited: 28 May 2017 13:27:31

Dave Hedgehog

Border soil is not widelly available from many soil merchants and tends to contain small stones and pebbles to assist with drainage in borders. It's not ideal as topsoil and as the pebbles are rather small, removing them will take forever. A garden seive would be a worthwhile investment.

I'd suggest buying a seive or some small bags of decent (and dry!!) topsoil... feel the bags with your fingers before buying and make sure it crumbles. Spread the grass seed, gently raking it into the soil and sprinkle a decent coating of bagged topsoil on top to stop it baking in the sun or being eaten by pigeons - and water frequently.

The stones will (mostly) be locked under the surface by the grass as it grows.

Whever you get topsoil from, there's usually a surprise in store. It can be incredibly wet so sets like concrete, is full of large pieces of gravel (even chunks of bricks), small stones or contains undesirable organic material. There's only one place I buy it from now after so many problems with crap soil from builders merchants.

Pete.8

I got 20 ton completely stone-free topsoil from Silverton Aggregates (for loose loads)
I needed a further 2 ton which I got from Oakley Turf (for bulk bags)

They both come from the same source - the sugar beet factory. It's the silt they wash off the beets before processing. It's very fine indeed about the same as sand - and it is mixed with some sand. I've used it mixed with a lot of horse manure for raised beds and tbh it's excellent, but lacks any life on its own. For your needs it would be ideal as a topping

Dovefromabove

I've also had really good topsoil from Silverton Aggregates ... very happy with it.