Cheapest source of topsoil?

PeteW

Hiya,

I need a load of topsoil to fill up my raised beds, I've posted on Freecycle but haven't heard anything yet, so was wondering if anyone has any other suggestions? I'm in Guildford, Surrey.

Thanks

Pete

WestonDave

Does your council produce compost from household waste? Some will deliver bulk supplies of that which may go some way to filling your beds. Our council sells 50L for 2.60, neighbouring one lets you fill your own bag for £1 (although presumably there are limits!)

Falconhoof

I got a cubic meter of soil from a neighbour's skip (with permission) when she had her extension built. She was happy to free up space in her skip.

Her house was built on farmland so the soil is good

Beware of skip diving and freecyling in case the soil is full of builders' rubble.

PeteW

Thanks guys, I've tried the council, but they don't sell compost.

I have found a good supply of well rotted horse manure though, so should be able to use some of that, but what sort of ratio of soil to manure should I be aiming for?

kazwookie

Any houses being built in your area? I nned some well 12 tonnes in total, went and saw the site forman, he got one of the 24tonne (I think) trucks to come my way to their depot and tip on my driveway.........cost me £20!!! I was well happy, but it took ages to move it!

Jake'sGran

PeteW wrote: »

Thanks guys, I've tried the council, but they don't sell compost.

I have found a good supply of well rotted horse manure though, so should be able to use some of that, but what sort of ratio of soil to manure should I be aiming for?

When we could get hold of rotted horse manure we use to use it as a mulch. Don't use too much if you mix it in as it may be too strong. For what we need we now use the bottom half of the compost that has developed in the wormery - good black stuff!

tigress

The best and by far the cheapest topsoil i know is MOLEHILLS
go around your parks etc scrape em up and hey presto perfect topsoil FREEEEEE

oldsam

If you contact The Compost Centre they have a website they deliver free within 25 miles of their base , Which is hop,skip and jump from your area at Send , near Woking .