25 Jul

Topsoil vs compost: which to use and when

Two of the most crucial materials for gardening are topsoil and compost, but their similar looks and textures make it easy to get them confused. But don't worry, we're here to help!

With nearly six decades of experience in the industry, the team at M B Wilkes knows a thing or two about gardens. In our guide below, we'll explain what topsoil and compost actually are, what sets them apart, and when to use each type to achieve the best results for your garden. Let's go!

Are topsoil and compost the same?

No. Topsoil and compost are two different things, but they both play essential roles in landscaping. Here are the key characteristics of each type, as well as how they differ in their uses!

What is topsoil?

Topsoil is the upper layer of soil (hence the name!). It's generally the first 5 to 10 inches (12 to 25 centimetres) deep, and it serves as the primary hub for Earth's biological soil activity.

Topsoil is formed over time through the weathering of rocks and the decomposition of organic matter. It contains a mix of mineral particles like sand, silt, and clay along with organic matter like vegetation, dead animals, and leaves. This results in a treasure trove of organic nutrients and minerals, providing the perfect nourishment for healthy plant life.

What is topsoil used for?

Topsoil is commonly used in landscaping projects to establish vegetation or improve soil quality. It provides a stable foundation for plants and helps retain moisture, allowing roots to grow and thrive.

With that said, topsoil alone might not have enough organic matter or nutrients for optimal plant growth. This is where compost comes in!

What is compost?

Compost is a soil amendment made from the decomposition of organic waste, such as leaves, twigs, kitchen scraps, and other biodegradable materials. This decomposition process is carried out by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and worms, which break down the organic matter into a dark and crumbly material. Compost is rich in nutrients and organic matter, making it an excellent soil conditioner.

What is compost used for?

Often referred to as "black gold" by gardeners, compost is prized for its ability to enhance soil health. It's used to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient content. When added to soil, compost enhances fertility and promotes healthier plant growth.

Should I use compost or topsoil?

When deciding whether to use compost, topsoil, or both, you need to consider the specific needs and conditions of your garden. The main difference between compost and topsoil is that compost acts as a soil amendment while topsoil forms the actual soil, so keep that in mind to make the best decision for your garden.

Compost works wonders for more demanding plants like vegetables, as it will give them the nutrients they need to flourish. Other types of plants can also benefit from compost, depending on what you have in your garden and the climate you're in.

For plants in pots, topsoil alone might not be enough since they can't reach out for more nutrients with their roots. In such cases, adding compost becomes a must to provide those potted plants with the nourishment they need to thrive.

If you'd like more specific advice, feel free to reach out to our team – we'd be happy to discuss your project and recommend the right option for you!

Can I mix compost and topsoil together?

Yes. In fact, it's usually recommended!

Compost is fantastic for enriching soil, but it can dry out rather quickly. Mixing it with topsoil is a great way to provide balanced bedding for plants and flowers. It offers the best of both worlds – the root support and water retention from topsoil, combined with the nutrient boost from compost.

Keep in mind that this may not be the ideal solution for every project. Depending on the plants you intend to grow, using only topsoil or choosing a different topsoil-compost ratio may be best.

Enhance your garden with premium topsoils and composts from M B Wilkes

At M B Wilkes, we supply high-quality soils and landscaping products for a variety of garden projects. Whether you're looking for a solid foundational topsoil or a compost that will help your flowers flourish, you can rely on us to provide you with the exact materials you need for a healthy garden – all at some of the most competitive prices on the market.

Browse our full range of products today. If you have any questions about our products or services, don't hesitate to get in touch online or call us on 01258 857465. We're here to help!

More general

26 Oct
An Introduction to Scalpings
// Scapings are one such option. These small, rough stones are ideal for creating level sub-bases for driveways, paths, and patios, making them an excellent choice for a wide variety of building projects. MB Wilkes is the leading supplier of 40mm scalpings in Dorset. In this guide, we explain where scalpings come from, why they’re useful, and how much you will need for your build. Already know you need scalpings for your project? Buy high-quality scalpings online today!     What are scalpings? Scalpings are essentially quarry waste. They are clay-contaminated stones that are removed when larger rocks are screened for quality. Whilst the concept of 'quarry waste' may not sound appealing, scalpings are actually the perfect material for evening out foundations - they are durable, versatile, and plentiful. Their low cost can also help you save significant money on your project.   What are scalpings used for? Scalpings are largely used as a sub-base material during the construction of car parks, driveways, pathways, and foundations for buildings. They are a cheaper alternative to Type 1 aggregates. When used in construction, scalpings work well to fill gaps within a bumpy foundation and provide an ideal base for paving and slabs. What sizes do scalpings come in? Scalpings are available in a range of sizes, including 40mm, 75mm and 100mm. The size of scalpings refers to the size of the holes in the 'sieve' when they are separated from larger rocks at the quarry. The most popular choice is 40mm, as this is the size that best suits the majority of projects, both commercial and residential.   What amount of scalpings will I need? The amount of scalpings you'll need is dependent on the size of your project. On average, 1 tonne of scalpings will cover 11.4m2 at 50mm thick. If you’re not sure how much you’ll need, you can use our online calculator before buying.   Where can I buy scalpings in bulk? At MB Wilkes, we stock fantastic quality scalpings for sale at low prices. We deliver to the entirety of Poole, Bournemouth, and Dorset, and can transport your scalpings in either bulk bags or loose. No matter the type or scale of your project, we’ll get you what you need without hassle. Buy scalpings online today! To find out more about the range of products we offer, from decorative stones to driveway materials, contact our team today on 01258 857465.
Read more
3 Oct
How to choose the right sports sand for your playing surface
While it may make the inside of your trainers a bit gritty, sports sand serves two important purposes: it improves player performance, and it keeps surfaces in good playing condition. The specialists at M B Wilkes are experts in all types of sand, soil, and gravel. Let us walk you through everything there is to know about sports sand, so you can rest easy knowing that your club’s playing surface is in tip-top shape.   What makes sports sand different? Because it needs to provide an even, safe surface for sports to be played on, sports sand has key differences from the sand you find on the beach or on a construction site. Most sports sand goes through a special ‘cleaning’ process that removes clay, silt, dust, and other impurities. This creates a fine, smooth finish that’s perfect for recreational use. To provide you with a safe surface on which to play your sport, sports sand usually has: Smaller, finer grains for a softer surface Impurities removed by washing Air-filled porosity to provide excellent aeration and drainage Consistent grading These qualities make the sand super soft to walk on and quick to dry. It also won’t get stuck on your legs or feet as you run over it.   What makes high-quality sports sand? Not all sand is the same. Different types of sand have different sized grains, mixes, and consistencies, which make certain sands more suited for certain uses than others. Selecting the correct grade of sand for your playing surface is vitally important. The ‘grade’ of a sand refers to the size of each individual particle, ranging from the smallest and ‘finest’ to largest and ‘sharpest’. Each type has distinctly different qualities that are useful in different applications. You’ll find finer sand has less structure and more malleability, while sharp sand is strong but prone to cracks and lesions. Sport sand shouldn’t be either too sharp or too fine – you’ll find that a quality, washed sports sand will be between grades 30 and 45, placing it somewhere in the middle. Sand aids in the process of drainage, with each grade of sand having a different effect on the playing surface. For example, fine sand effectively seals up the playing surface if spread over the top layer, meaning you’ll struggle to get your pitch to drain. Sharp sands will destabilise the surface over time, negatively impacting the general makeup of the soil. This makes it even more important to remember the 30 to 45 grading. In order to get the best results out of your sand spreading, there are steps you should take to make sure you don’t cause unneeded damage to the grass. Post-match, it is recommended that you divot the pitch with a fork, as this aerates the surface after being compacted by players. It also allows you to spread the sand into the top layer of surface soil. If you’re looking for high-quality sand to use for sporting and recreation, make sure the sand is: Low maintenance, so it’s easy to lay and look after Naturally sourced, as sand from natural sources has fewer contaminants and is therefore of higher quality Washed clean of any unwanted particles for a smooth finish. Made of durable aggregate, so it can withstand even the toughest of sports.   Which sports sand do I need? The exact type of sand you should choose depends on what you’ll be using it for:   Sports sand for recreation Our imported washed sand is 0-2mm and ideal for surface dressing sports fields, rugby and cricket turfs, golf bunkers, bowling greens, goal mouths, and much more.   Specialist sports sand from M B Wilkes At M B Wilkes, Dorset’s leading supplier of sand and other landscaping supplies, we have a range of top-quality sports sands for you to choose from. Our naturally-sourced sports sand will create a soft, all-weather playing surface your sports club can rely on. Browse our range of sands to find the right type of you. Our team has the knowledge and experience to answer any questions you may have. Simply get in touch for help choosing the right sports sand for your playing field.
Read more
20 Aug
A guide to our grab hire and muck away services
How our grab hire & muck away works To get started on disposing of your waste in one of the most efficient ways possible, simply give us a call today on 01258 857465 and tell our friendly team about your project and waste needs. We’ll advise you on which muck away service will be best for your requirements and then arrange a time and date to deliver your bulk bag to suit you. Once it’s full, we’ll come and collect it for you and take it away for recycling and disposal. Easy. Our grab away bulk bags are suitable for soil, hard core, brick rubble, sand, concrete and other mixed aggregates. For larger waste that isn’t easily moved, you’ll need our grab hire vehicles which are available in 4, 6 and 8 wheelers as well as our 10 and 20 tonne tipper lorries. Our grab hire & muck away services Our specialist grab lorries are able to collect large quantities of building, construction and garden waste in Poole, Bournemouth and the surrounding areas. You can use our muck away service for all sorts of waste, including: Sand, concrete and aggregates Mulch and garden waste Household waste Building and landscaping materials Please note, we are not able to accept asbestos and other hazardous waste. Better than a skip! Did you know our grab hire service provides a much quicker, simpler and more cost-effective solution for waste disposal than skips? That’s because our trucks can hold much more waste than a skip so you can fill it with even more material while reducing the number of bags or collections needed. When you choose MB Wilkes for your muck away service, you can be sure we’ll arrive on-site at a time to suit you, collect your waste and drive away with minimum disruption and fuss. We can also deliver your order at the same time! To talk to a member of our friendly team about your waste disposal needs, get in touch today by calling 01258 857465 or send us a completed online enquiry form.
Read more

Most Recent Stories

15 May
Summer Gardening Tips and Tricks
The summer months are a busy time for gardeners, as gardening offers a great opportunity to enjoy those long, warm days and evenings. Despite most of the planting of flowers and vegetables being done earlier in the spring, there is plenty to be done over the summer. May and June are ideal times for bedding plants to be planted out, raising foliage plants, and sowing several outdoor seed varieties, including Alstroemeria, Achillea, Arabis, Canterbury Bells, Coreopsis, Erigeron, Myosotis and Sweet William. Weather can be unpredictable during these months, so during May, you want to protect more vulnerable plants with a horticultural fleece, which you can remove in June. As the threat of frost should have passed by June, it is the ideal time to plant bedding plants grown under cover either into borders or into hanging baskets and containers. Late-flowering Annuals Throughout May, you should sow late-flowering annuals such as Nasturtiums under glass. You can expect them to flower from August onwards if you sow them in early May. You may also want to sow fast-maturing annuals, like Clarkias and Calendulas. You will be able to enjoy them blooming throughout the summer, which will add an extra splash of colour to your garden. Don't forget to add some water gel crystals and slow-release fertiliser to your compost when planting. Who doesn't love a Dahlia? Use your time in May to plant Dahlia bulbs, but protect them from slugs. This will also work with your regular gardening jobs of watering, mowing and weeding. Don't forget to spruce up your window boxes too. Check that you have enough topsoil before doing this to ensure a smooth and easy process. Tidy Up June is usually a time for you to dedicate a few minutes to tidying up parts of your garden. Dead foliage should be removed from spring flowering bulbs, excluding daffodils and tulips, which should be left a little longer to die back naturally. Trim or throw away any faded plants and keep on top of your weeding, with a particular focus on your borders and beds. Install Protection Fruits bushes and trees should be inspected carefully to check for pests and diseases and treated if necessary. Soft fruit bushes, such as currants and strawberries, should be protected by a fruit cage or netting to prevent birds from eating the fruit. Carrots should be protected from carrot fly, and cabbages from caterpillar damage by covering them with protective materials. If you are keeping some plants in a greenhouse to keep them safe, they need to be kept well-ventilated during the day as extreme variations in temperature could adversely affect the fruiting of tomato plants. In addition, tapping the flowers of greenhouse tomatoes will improve pollination. Uncover Fruit and Vegetable Strawberry bushes that have been kept under glass should now be uncovered so that pollinating insects can gain access to them. Vegetables such as brussel sprouts, cabbage, celery, courgettes, cucumbers, marrows, runner and French beans that have been grown in a greenhouse should also now be planted out. Don't forget to keep them hydrated and keep the soil as moist as possible. If you have vegetables like marrows, peppers, tomatoes and courgettes, ensure that these are hardened off before you look to plant them outside. Mow Grass Regularly May is the start of the mowing season, and you will need to mow your grass more regularly and ensure that your mower blades are kept sharp. Water Regularly May through September can be hot and dry, so remember to water plants regularly to avoid wilting. To aid drainage, a layer of gravel or shingle is a great solution that also offers a touch of style and texture to your garden area! Renovate Your Garden Summer is also a great time to landscape your garden by adding some raised plant beds using sleepers or even fitting a paved section to create the perfect space for garden furniture.
Read more
27 Mar
How to use decorative stones in your garden
They are a fantastic way to add interest and texture to your garden. Each type has its own benefits. Therefore, you should consider these when deciding which decorative stone to use in your garden. In this blog, our landscaping experts at MB Wilkes, Dorset’s leading supplier of decorative stones, share a breakdown of each type of decorative stone and what they’re best used for. Pebbles Smooth and round pebbles are formed when a stone's rough edges are slowly eroded by running water. As such, they will look perfectly at home as part of a garden water feature. We recommend using colourful pebbles like our 14-20mm Scottish pebbles for an authentic feel.  Due to their rounded surface being safe to walk on barefoot, these decorative stones make good garden pathways, and when combined with landscape fabrics like our woven geotextile, you can prevent weeds from growing underneath.  Pebbles can help prevent soil degradation and eroding too, making them great to enhance the top of potted plants. Pebbles and decorative stones also make for beautiful and natural borders for flower beds.  If you are laying a pathway, contrasting coloured pebbles in the garden is a fantastic way to make a style statement all across your garden. Additionally, you could also use different colours to differentiate the various sections of your garden from each other. Avoid using pebbles on driveways because they are so smooth they will move and shift under the heavy weight of a vehicle. This will cause the driveway to deteriorate quickly. Slate Slate is a fine-grained, metamorphic rock that splits easily into thin slabs.  Much sharper and larger than pebbles, slate is perfect for decorating borders. For example, our black slate would make for a dramatic and modern accent to a path, pond, or patio.  Slate also makes for poor driveway material, as there is always the chance that a sharp piece could slice open your tyre. It is also a relatively brittle material, so putting it under constant stress from heavy cars will cause it to crumble over time. This will lead to the build-up of dust, which could inhibit drainage.  Stone Paving Decorative stones aren't just limited to pebbles and rocks. Natural stone paving is the perfect material for creating gorgeous and perfectly flat patios where you and your loved ones can enjoy many BBQs and garden parties together. We stock lots of different paving slabs in a range of colours, textures and finishes, so you're sure to find one to suit your style.  Gravel & Shingle Gravel is made up of loose rock fragments.  Gravel and shingle are grippy, durable stones, making them excellent choices for driveways and paths. In fact, they are one of the cheapest driveway options available. Outside of filling in the uneven surface now and then, driveway gravel is largely maintenance-free and has no chance of cracking or sinking like asphalt or concrete.  Choose a gravel like our golden shingle for a classic driveway look or opt for something a bit different with our luxurious limestone or elegant blue slate. Gravel and shingle are very good at draining water. If your garden is habitually waterlogged and causing your plants and flowers to suffer, installing a French drain using gravel or shingle will help the water drain harmlessly away. Shingle will also work in any water feature you might have, enhancing the sound of the water falling. Opting for our rainbow shingle will also boost its overall appearance too. Premium decorative stones from M B Wilkes Whether you're looking to build a rustic path or driveway, improve drainage, or simply beautify your garden, our decorative stones offer limitless possibilities. Browse our wide range of premium decorative stones to find the perfect type for your garden. You'll be spoilt for choice at MB Wilkes, as our range of landscape materials, pebbles and decorative stones is the best in Dorset.  If you have any questions about our products, don't hesitate to get in touch - contact us online or call us on 01258 857465.
Read more
16 Jan
Grab-Away Waste Removal: Large-Scale Waste Management
No matter what size business you are running, it is likely that you will be producing a fair amount of waste, so large waste removal services with tipper and grab lorries are often an ideal solution that ensures your waste is removed and disposed of responsibly and in a compliant manner. In the article, we discuss what our grab-away waste removal solutions include and why you should consider them for your waste disposal in Dorset. What are grab-away waste removal solutions from MB Wilkes? Grab-away waste removal services are exactly as they say on the tin; a licensed waste disposal company, such as ourselves, visits your site, grabs your waste, and removes it for disposal. Read our guide to grab hire and muck away service to learn more about what we offer. Grab or tipper truck for grab-away services? Usually, a grab lorry is used for this service, as they have grab arms that extend and pick up the waste from the site and place it into the bed of the lorry. This makes loading the waste from your site into the lorry easy and efficient. However, for some large-scale waste removals across Dorset, such as on construction sites, a tipper lorry may be used as they have the equipment to load the bed of the tipper lorry. We have a fleet of grab and tipper lorries, which are able to remove up to 20 tonnes of waste in one trip.  Waste types accepted Our grab-away waste removal service is able to accept a variety of waste types, making it a flexible solution for many businesses.  Waste types accepted include: Sand Concrete Gravel & aggregates Mulch Household waste Building & Landscape materials Not sure if we collect your waste type? Our team is always happy to discuss our services with you and answer any questions, so get in touch with us at 01258 857465. Frequency of grab-away collections Our grab-away services are flexible, so we can create a schedule that suits your needs. If you are working on a one-off project or infrequently have large amounts of waste to dispose of, a one-off grab-away waste removal is likely to be the best solution for you. This will ensure that you are only paying for what you need rather than paying for a large grab or tipper truck that you might not fill. Alternatively, if you frequently have large amounts of waste to dispose of, we can arrange a scheduled waste collection with our grab-away service. We can work with you to create a schedule that suits you; whether you need the waste removed once a week, once a fortnight or once a month, you can trust us to reliably remove your waste when you need it gone. Benefits of grab-away waste removal solutions No matter how often you use our grab-away service, there are many benefits.  Save stress Trying to find a way to remove large quantities of waste can be stressful, especially if you aren't sure what to do with it. Our large waste removal services remove the stress and make the disposal process smooth and hassle-free. We have a reliable and expert team, so you can trust that we will get the job done, allowing you to get on with other work that needs your attention. Lower carbon footprint Removing all the waste in one journey, as opposed to lots of smaller journeys is better for the environment and will help you run a more sustainable and environmentally friendly business. Additionally, waste removed by a professional service will be disposed of correctly, meaning it is more likely to go to a recycling centre than a landfill. Safe working environment Large amounts of waste can take up space on your site. Using a grab-away waste removal service will mean you don't have heaps of rubbish sitting around your site, creating a safer work environment for your staff. Why use MB Wilkes? MB Wilkes are waste removal experts, providing a stress-free grab-away waste removal solution to businesses across Poole, Bournemouth and the rest of Dorset. We are fully licenced to remove and transport waste from your site to a disposal facility, meaning we provide a fully compliant waste disposal service. Being able to remove up to 20 tonnes in one trip, our service makes waste removal quick. Our aim is to make large waste removals simple to sort so that the task can be ticked off your to-do list quickly and stay ticked off. The MB Wilkes team are always happy to discuss your needs and work with you to create a grab-away waste removal solution that suits you and your business needs. Contact our expert team today by calling 01258 857465 or completing our contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Read more

This site uses some unobtrusive cookies to store information on your computer. By using our site you accept our Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy.

 ×