Top Soil

Level out green space, fill raised beds or improve soil quality with our range of top soil. We stock screened topsoil in bags or bulk, ready for everything from turfing and planting to top dressing. Easy to handle and suitable for beds, borders and grass repairs. Our top soil is of the best quality to help ensure a solid base for healthy growth. Pair it with garden compost, turf rolls and hosepipes to get the job done properly.

Q: What types of top soil do you stock?

A: We stock general-purpose premium-grade screened top soil, available in both handy 25kg bags and 850kg bulk bags for large landscaping jobs. All our top soils are blended for good drainage, structure and plant health.

Q: What is top soil used for in the garden?

A: Top soil is used to level lawns, build up raised beds, improve planting borders and replace poor-quality soil. It’s rich in organic matter, supports healthy root growth and helps with water retention. Use it when preparing new turf, filling planters, or refreshing tired garden soil. Using a good quality top soil will help whatever you're planting to grow, be it grass, flowers, veg or trees.

Q: What’s the difference between top soil and compost?

A: Top soil is a natural mineral soil with a mix of sand, silt, clay and organic content. It’s used for building up ground levels or creating new beds. Compost is made from decomposed organic matter and is richer in nutrients. For most garden jobs, it’s best to mix top soil and compost together to give plants structure and nutrition.

Q: How much top soil do I need?

A: That depends on the area and depth of land you need to cover. Here's a general guide to help you estimate:

• Laying turf or seeding grass: Allow for a depth of 100–150mm of top soil

• Raised beds for vegetables or flowers: Aim for 200–300mm depth, depending on plant type

• Border planting or topping up garden beds: Around 100mm is usually enough

• Filling planters or containers: This will vary based on size, but our small bag sizes make it easy to top up as needed

To calculate how much soil you'll need, measure the area in square metres (length x width), multiply by the depth required (in metres), and this will give you the volume you need in cubic metres.

If you’re unsure how much to order, our team can help work it out based on your measurements. We also offer delivery across the UK.

Q: Can I use top soil in pots and containers?

A: Top soil on its own can be too heavy for pots. It’s better to mix it with compost or a lighter soil improver to aid drainage and reduce compaction. For raised planters and larger containers, a 50:50 mix of top soil and compost works well.

Q: Can I put top soil over grass?

A: Yes,  adding a thin layer of top soil (around 10–15mm) is called top dressing and can help improve lawn condition. It fills in dips, boosts drainage and encourages new grass growth. Make sure to spread evenly and rake it into the grass.

Q: Is top soil suitable for raised garden beds?

A: Absolutely. Use screened top soil as the base layer in raised beds, then mix with compost or organic matter to create a rich planting environment.

Q: What size top soil bags do you sell?

A: We offer 25kg top soil bags for small jobs and bulk bags for full garden projects. Check each product listing for volume and coverage details. If you're not sure how much to order, our team can help you work it out.

Q: Do you deliver top soil?

A: Yes, we deliver top soil in bags and bulk direct to homes and sites across the UK. Order online or contact your local JT Atkinson branch to check stock and arrange collection or large drops.