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Many gardeners assume topsoil and garden soil are interchangeable, but using the wrong one can cost you a season's worth of plants, time, and money. While both are essential landscaping materials, they serve very different purposes. Understanding when to use each can help improve plant health, reduce maintenance, and create a thriving landscape. If you're searching for quality Salt Lake City topsoil or nutrient-rich garden soil, knowing the difference is the first step toward a successful project.
Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, typically screened to remove rocks, roots, and other debris. It provides a solid foundation for landscaping projects and is commonly used to level yards, prepare areas for sod or seed, fill low spots, and improve existing soil.
Our Screened Topsoil is screened to 3/8" to remove large debris, with no added amendments. It's unamended, meaning it contains no added nutrients or compost, so it's not intended for planting flowers or vegetables on its own. Instead, it serves as a base layer that can be enriched with compost or garden soil.
Screened Topsoil is ideal for:
If you're planning a larger landscaping project, Screened Topsoil (available bagged or bulk) is an excellent starting point.
Garden soil is not topsoil, it's a loam soil specifically blended to support healthy plant growth. Unlike topsoil, it contains nutrient-rich organic matter and compost that improve soil fertility, moisture retention, and soil structure.
Garden soil is designed for planting flowers, shrubs, vegetables, trees, and other landscape plants. It is mixed into existing soil to create an ideal growing environment and encourage healthy root development.
The Dirt Bag offers two garden soil options:
Both are ideal for:
While both products improve your landscape, they are intended for different applications:
Many successful landscaping projects use both products. Topsoil creates the foundation, while garden soil provides the nutrients plants need to flourish.
| Screened Topsoil | Garden Soil Plus | Premium Garden Soil | |
| What it is | Native soil, screened to 3/8", no additives | Our best-selling, 100% organic soil blend, the only product we sell that contains actual soil | Loam soil blended with black peat, compost, and steer manure |
| Nutrients | None — unamended | Nutrient-rich, plant-ready | Nutrient-rich, plant-ready |
| Best for | Leveling, grading, filling holes, sod prep | Vegetable gardens, planter boxes, shrubs, lawns | Flower beds, vegetable gardens, raised beds, shrubs, trees |
| Can you plant in it? | Not recommended on its own | Yes, ready to plant directly, no mixing needed | Yes, ready to plant directly |
| Bagged price (1 cu. yd.) | $119 | $174.00 | $174.99 |
| Bulk price (1 cu. yd.) | $49 | $75.00 | $85 |
| Delivery | Bagged (Salt Lake County) or bulk (Salt Lake, Tooele, Davis, Utah counties) | Bagged (Salt Lake County) or bulk (Salt Lake, Tooele, Davis, Utah counties) | Bagged (Salt Lake County) or bulk (Salt Lake, Tooele, Davis, Utah counties) |
For smaller jobs, bagged products are easy to transport and apply. Bagged delivery is free within Salt Lake County — just mark an "X" where you'd like your bags placed, and you don't even need to be home. Most orders are delivered within 3-4 business days.
Larger projects benefit from bulk deliveries that provide greater value and reduce handling. Our bulk topsoil delivery and bulk garden soil delivery are handled by dump truck directly to your property, or you can pick up yourself at our West Jordan yard with a truck or trailer to save on delivery fees. Bulk delivery fees are based on your zip code and the truck size needed for your project — this includes delivery to Tooele, Davis, and Utah counties, so call for a quote if you're outside Salt Lake County.
We're unable to deliver to canyon areas.
The Dirt Bag has helped homeowners and landscaping professionals throughout Northern Utah complete successful outdoor projects with premium soil products and dependable service.
Customers choose The Dirt Bag because we offer:
Whether you're preparing a lawn, planting a garden, or renovating your landscape, The Dirt Bag has the products and expertise to help you succeed.
Technically, yes—but it's not the best choice for long-term plant health. While topsoil provides a good foundation, it doesn't contain the nutrient-rich organic matter plants need to thrive. For flower beds, vegetables, trees, and shrubs, Garden Soil is the better option because it is specifically formulated to support healthy root development and vigorous growth.
The amount of soil you'll need depends on the size, depth, and type of project. Filling raised beds requires different quantities than leveling a lawn or planting trees. The Dirt Bag offers both small bagged quantities and bulk deliveries for topsoil and garden soil. If you're unsure how much to order, our team is happy to help estimate the right amount for your project.
Choosing between topsoil and garden soil depends on your landscaping goals. Topsoil creates a solid foundation for lawns and landscape preparation, while garden soil provides the nutrients and organic matter plants need for healthy growth. By selecting the right product for the job, you'll enjoy better results and healthier landscapes for years to come.
The Dirt Bag offers premium products, flexible delivery options, and expert guidance to help make your next project a success.
