Topsoil from an aggregate supplier - what should it feel like? (For a Polytunnel)

[Russel Sprout]

Hi all

I need to get some soil for my polytunnel. There is a local aggregate supplier who is selling it for £50 per tonne bag full (delivered), which seems a great price It is screened and certified.

We popped over to have a look at it. I've never bought top soil and so had no idea what to expect or what it should be like. The stuff he had was a nice dark colour, but the feel was very gritty and grainy. I mean like even more so that wet sharp sand. What should top soil feel like when bought from places like this?

I should add that I have a supply of well rotted manure that I can use with it...

Hoping anyone who has bought it before might be able to pitch in.

Many thanks

[burnie]

It will be free draining at least, I've never bought topsoil, so not able to comment on this, but my soil is not gritty or grainy

[ameno]

Most bought topsoil is mixed with sand, so that's normal.
A certain proportion of sand is a good thing, anywa. When Which Gardening tested raised bed mixes, they found the best was 25% garden soil, 25% sharp sand, and 50% well-rotted manure.

[burnie]

Substitute compost for manure if growing root crops though.

[ameno]

Substitute compost for manure if growing root crops though.

That mix got the best results for carrots and potatoes, too, ahead of a similar mix with compost instead of manure.
Although it was cow manure, not horse, if that makes any difference.

[rary]

If you need soil that's a good price and if it's certified by the supplier I would take it and with a supply of well rotted manure you have the makings of great soil

[bikermike]

What do you need soil for?

If you've got a lot of manure to mix with it, all you are effectively using the soil for is to give bulk, so it sounds fine from a physical point of view. My concern with any bought in soil is what contaminants are on it. What paperwork do they offer with it?

As a confirmed no-digger, I wouldn't add soil to beds for growing purposes. If you are landscaping/building new beds/constructing siege earthworks, then it's a different story obviously...

[rary]

You could always buy washed concrete sand and dig in lots of manure
I made my own soil 2 or 3 years ago by mixing wood chip, course sand, home made compost manure and some bags of seaweed I have had great results from it and now have it in the greenhouse growing tomatoes and I have the strongest looking plants I have seen