Kettering Soil Delivery

How much topsoil do I need to level low spots in my lawn?

For shallow settling of an inch or less, a topdressing blend spread thin lets grass grow right through. For deeper depressions, fill no more than 2 inches at a time and let the grass recover between applications. A typical Kettering back yard with several sunken spots usually needs 1 to 3 cubic yards total, and one yard covers about 325 square feet at one inch deep.

When can I start working soil in the spring here?

Wait until the soil crumbles instead of smearing when you squeeze a handful, usually early to mid April in Kettering. Working wet silt loam destroys its structure and creates concrete like clods that last all season. Since our last frost averages April 30, you have plenty of time to prep beds in mid April and still plant tomatoes and peppers safely in the first half of May.

What soil should I use for raised vegetable beds?

A garden mix of screened topsoil and compost works best for Kettering raised beds, because straight native silt loam packs down too tightly inside a frame. Fill to within an inch or two of the top and expect it to settle a few inches over the first season. Plan to add an inch of compost each spring, since our rainfall steadily washes nutrients down and out.

Should I test my soil before ordering?

It is worth it if you are starting a large project. Kettering soils often run slightly alkaline because of the limestone bedrock under the Miami Valley, which can lock up iron for acid lovers like blueberries, azaleas, and pin oaks. The OSU Extension office in Montgomery County can point you to testing labs, and knowing your pH tells you whether to order a standard topsoil or something amended.

Can I use fill dirt instead of topsoil to save money?

Fill dirt is fine for building up grade behind a wall or correcting a slope away from your foundation, and it is cheaper by the yard. It has almost no organic matter, though, so nothing will grow well in it. The usual approach in Kettering is fill dirt for bulk volume topped with 4 to 6 inches of screened topsoil where you actually want turf or plants.

How late in the year can I put down soil and seed?

Late August through late September is the best window in Kettering, since warm soil and cooling air favor cool season grasses. You want roots established well before the October 17 first frost. If you miss that window, hold off and do a dormant seeding in late November or wait for spring rather than seeding into cold October soil that will not germinate.