Earthgro topsoil is an organic product formulated for general use in home gardens. Its label provides information about its components.
Components
According to its package, the product contains peat, forest products, compost, ash, and sand or native soil. These are quality components, but the use of peat is questionable by environmental standards, and the term compost refers to a process and a substance. (You must know what's been composted to know whether it is appropriate for your garden.)
Definition
The term topsoil is used loosely. Genuine topsoil is the naturally occurring product of centuries of decomposition and geologic phenomena. It's a rich medium treasured by farmers and gardeners. Genuine topsoil is in short supply, so manufacturers create topsoil products composed of some of the elements of natural topsoil.
Uses
Earthgro's Topsoil is for general use, such as filling holes, revising low areas in lawns and improving soil composition. It is not recommended for potting, as those soils are formulated to assist with moisture control and drainage.
Alternatives
The ideal source for topsoil is Mother Earth, but few urban gardeners are blessed with her finest soil. Gardeners can improve clay soil with compost, peat and gypsum, or sandy soil with compost, peat and forest products.
Considerations
If managing the environment responsibly is a concern, avoid products containing peat. Peat develops slowly from decomposing plant material over centuries. Mining peat depletes the earth's supply and destroys natural habitats.
Tags: earthgro, topsoil, compost peat, Earthgro Topsoil, forest products, Genuine topsoil, peat forest, peat forest products, soil with, soil with compost, soil with compost peat
