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Do I really not have decent topsoil on my new construction?
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Posted by lbelle z6ky (My Page) on Sun, Oct 8, 06 at 19:50
| We moved into our newly constructed home in June. Due to time and money, I'm just now getting my act together. I kept asking my builder if he put topsoil that I can plant in on top. He insists it's better than the stuff he graded with. Being new to KY, I can't tell the difference. I know I would have to amend the soil anyway. My question is: I got a landscape plan and estimate calling for 10 yards of topsoil at $450. It will be amended with peat and manure, adding to the cost. What's the difference between adding amendments to my existing soil and the soil the landscaper says is better? How would it be better? Anyone know what kind of topsoil they're talking about? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Do I really not have decent topsoil on my new construction?
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| My suggestion is you call your local county extension agent and get a soil test kit so you can find out exactly what your existing soil needs. I personally rarely buy anything called "topsoil" -- my experience has been that it's usually horrible stuff! I usually just work lots of compost or aged manure and some sort of soil conditioner (vermiculite, for example) into the existing soil. |
RE: Do I really not have decent topsoil on my new construction?
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| I agree that you should get a soil test kit, and go from there. What part of Ky are you in? Ky has quite a bit of clay soil, but it also depends on where you are. I would think that buying amendments for the soil you have now would be about the same cost as buying the "topsoil" from the builder. If you are near Louisville or Lexington, you can get compost pretty cheap, because of all the horse waste generated at the track/farms. In Lexington, Keeneland used to give away composted muck for free....I don't know if they do anymore, though. My house was literally built on an old dump site....a few loads of "Thoroughbred compost" and now I have wonderful soil. |
RE: Do I really not have decent topsoil on my new construction?
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| I got two truckloads of "top soil" from Nugent here in Louisville this past spring. It is the worst dirt I have ever seen. I agree with gdionelli . |
RE: Do I really not have decent topsoil on my new construction?
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Hi! I am just starting out with my first house in Winchester. I'm a regular Lexintonian of 10 years though. Where can I go to get this 'cheap' mulch in Lex? My backyard is litterally solid clay. I spent easily 8 hours the last couple days digging a 2.5ft wide trench about 20ft long. I moved the clay and huge rocks under my patio, but now have a huge deficit to fill. I bought some mulch and garden compost at Wal-Mart, but it isn't nearly enough. I need mulch in bulk (for cheap) :)
Thanks |
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