Compost vs Topsoil: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each

Compost vs Topsoil: When starting a landscaping or gardening project, it’s common to ask: should I use compost or topsoil? These two materials serve different purposes, and choosing the right one can make the difference between a thriving garden and a struggling one.

Let’s break down what each material is, how they’re used, and when to choose one over the other.

What Is Topsoil?

Topsoil is the upper layer of natural soil. It usually contains a mix of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. It’s the base material for most planting and landscaping projects.

What it’s good for: Compost vs Topsoil

• Leveling lawns
• Starting new garden beds
• Laying sod or seeding grass
• Improving soil structure

We supply screened topsoil, which means large debris has been removed. This makes it easier to spread and safer for plant roots.

What Is Compost?

Compost is made from decomposed plant material. It’s rich in nutrients and helps plants grow better by improving soil health. It looks darker than topsoil and often has a rich, earthy smell.

What it’s good for: Compost vs Topsoil

• Boosting nutrients in existing soil
• Helping plants grow faster and stronger
• Improving drainage and soil texture
• Topdressing lawns or garden beds

We offer composted soil blends that combine compost with loam or sand, making them easy to spread and great for lawn repair.

When to Use Topsoil

Use topsoil when you need to:

• Add a base layer for a lawn
• Fill in low areas or holes in your yard
• Build up new garden beds from scratch
• Regrade or level your landscape

Topsoil helps you shape the land and gives plants something to grow in.

When to Use Compost

Use compost when your soil is already in place but needs improvement. It works well for:

• Mixing into existing garden soil to boost nutrients
• Spreading a thin layer over your lawn to help with growth (topdressing)
• Improving the soil before planting vegetables or flowers

Compost doesn’t work well on its own for planting. It’s best used as an amendment, not a full growing medium.

Can You Mix Them?

Yes. In fact, combining compost with topsoil is a smart way to create healthy, balanced soil for gardens, flower beds, and even lawns. Many of our soil blends include both materials to save you time and guesswork.

Final Tip: Compost vs Topsoil

If you’re not sure which one to choose, ask what your plants or project need:

• Need to build up the area? Go with topsoil.
• Need to feed what’s already there? Use compost.

For a simple, effective option, try our loam and compost mix—perfect for topdressing and garden prep.