When Soil Comes in Bags

Q. I shop at several different garden centers, and there seems to be a lot of variation in quality, even within the same brand. One batch that was supposedly top soil turned out to look like ash, and everything I planted in it died.

A. Bagged soil can vary enormously in quality, but the fine print on the bag can provide clues. Some products labeled "top soil" are, contrary to the name, not good for planting. Before you buy, read the fine print; soil that's said to be useful for filling holes in the yard or building up landscape beds is not good garden soil meant to support and nurture plant life.

Also, take advantage of the occasional ripped bag you might find in the garden center: Rubbing a bit of the contents between your fingers and doing it a sniff test will tell you if the soil is rich and full of organic matter. If it's gray and grainy — or has an unpleasant odor — give it a pass.

Bagged compost and manure products typically cost about the same as top soil at big discount lawn and garden centers. Mixing some of either with the bagged top soil increases the likelihood of achieving an excellent soil mix for your plants. Whichever bagged soil or amendment you choose, be sure to mix it well with the existing soil.

Remember that compost is the single best way to beef up the soil you already have, and you can generate that at home — in surprisingly large quantities.