Can I use the Garden Basics garden soil mix as underlay for new turf?

[RobertDigital]

Hi - I purchased approximately 30+ bags of the Garden Basics Garden soil mix in preparation for my DIY instant turf project not knowing enough back then about what soil was needed. I understand this is probably not the right soil as I believe I need a more sandy or specific top soil.

My question is, what are my options here and is it ok to use the garden soil mix I have bought as I have a lot of it?

[JacobZ]

Hi @RobertDigital.

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

You're correct that the bagged garden soils we sell are not the best option for turf projects, as they contain organic matter, including things like bark and fine twigs that aren't great for creating a nice flat surface before laying turf. You'll want to use a finer sandier mix like the Seasol Lawn Top Dress Mix, Scotts Lawn Builder Organic Lawn Soil Topdress & Underlay or bulk topsoil options, which can be ordered through your local store's Special Orders desk.

If you had some garden beds that needed soil, then you could always use them for that, but if you are spending a considerable amount on turf slabs, then it wouldn't be a great idea to use garden soil as your base.

In this situation, your best option is to return the bags you have purchased for a refund and swap them out for a more appropriate mix.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[RobertDigital]

Hi Jacob, thanks for your reply.

Both the Seasol and Lawn Builder seem to have the same negative reviews around both containing bark also. Would an option be to use the Garden Soil I have and mix in some sand?

Also, how many bags would I need to top up about 32sqm?

Thanks!

[JacobZ]

Hi @RobertDigital,

If you wanted to go down that route, then yes, adding some sand to the mix would be handy. If you did use a garden soil mix, putting it through a Garden Sieve before application would be worthwhile.

I'd also encourage you to see what options there are for bulk ordering topsoil through our Special Orders desk, as our local landscaping suppliers offer soils for different purposes. At 30+ bags, you can likely bulk order a finer product for this purpose more economically.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob