The recommended depth of topsoil required will depend on the site, the existing soil and what you are going to use the area for. In new properties the soil is often shallow and poor quality, therefore importing the full recommended depth of topsoil may be required. If the soil structure is poor, incorporating a soil improver may be the best option. If your existing soil is reasonably good quality, a shallower layer of new topsoil may be all that’s required to bring it up the required depth or assist with providing a level surface.
Use this topsoil calculator to find out how much topsoil you need to buy for your yard. Enter the area to be covered and the desired thickness, and we’ll tell you how much topsoil you need.
Lawns: The recommended depth of topsoil for creating lawns from turf or seed is 4 to 6 inches.
General: 6 to 9 inches of soil is usually sufficient for most planting.
Vegetables: The depth of topsoil for growing vegetables will vary depending on what you plan to grow. Root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots will need 1 to 1.5ft, whereas vegetables such as salads, beans and courgettes will need a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
