How to Use Topsoil in the Winter

With the days getting dark as early as 4pm and the coldest months of the winter just around the corner, it’s not a time of year for any but the hardiest and keenest of gardeners to think of doing anything constructive outside.

Nevertheless, on those occasions when it is dry and sunny at the weekend – they do happen, even if it is usually very cold at the same time! – there are a few useful things you can be getting on with that will help your garden look even better when spring rolls around again.

If you think topsoil is only useful in the growing season, think again – topsoil can also be used in winter to refresh your lawn. This article will examine how and why it does that and provide a few tips on how to successfully add topsoil to your lawn.

Topsoil in winter

As the weather gets colder and harsher, your lawn can suffer in many ways. Grass doesn’t like the lack of sunlight or the frosty nights, and if we do actually get some snow it won’t like that either.

The result? Patches of brown and unhealthy lawn that will only look any good this side of spring if they do get totally covered with snow, even if it won’t be doing any good. But don’t worry, because if you act quickly, you can minimise the damage by laying down some topsoil before the coldest weather sets in.

Why’s that useful? Well, topsoil contains lots of nutrients that will help your grass stay healthy and give it the strength to fight off much of the worst that winter can throw at it.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Get rid of thatch and moss

If you want your lawn to get the best out of the topsoil you’re about to give it, you need to remove other things that might be competing with it for those nutrients. They’ll also be stopping what sunlight there is getting through, so they really need to go.

2. Remove any debris

While you’re at it, grab your rake and use it to remove any other bits of debris that are getting in the way, such as the remnants of the autumn leaves, Yes, more will come along soon, but if you want your lawn to get the full benefit of the topsoil, it needs to get straight to where it’s needed. There’s no point wasting it on dead leaves.

3. Improve the drainage

Get your garden fork and every 10cm or so stick it all the way into the lawn and move it backwards and forwards – this will will let both air and water get through and reduce the chances of your grass sitting in puddles of surface water should there be periods of heavy rain.

4. Lay down a layer of topsoil

You don’t need much, just a thin layer to cover the new drainage holes will do (don’t worry, they will still let water through!) – if you’re starting to cover the blades of grass with your topsoil, you’re putting down way too much. Give the lawn a quick rake to ensure an even distribution of your soil.

5. Water it through

A quick burst of water will help settle the soil into the gaps – you might also think about adding some seasonal feed as an extra protection against the harsh weather to come.

For all your topsoil needs, Neil Sullivan & Sons has a great range of options available, including our topsoil bedding and our topsoil budget, all in stock for rapid delivery to your home or site or for immediate collection from our Wickford yard.

Get in touch with us to find out more or place your order online now.