Whether you're preparing your garden, landscaping a new area or working on a larger project, storing your topsoil and compost correctly is essential to keeping your materials in good condition.
At Kernahans Aggregates, we supply topsoil and compost to customers across Kent, with materials available in bulk bags or loose loads. One thing we always recommend is protecting your materials from the elements if you're not planning to use them immediately.
This is particularly important during autumn and winter, when increased rainfall and wetter ground conditions can make topsoil much more difficult to handle.
Why Is It Important to Cover Topsoil?
Topsoil is a natural material containing a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter and moisture. Although some moisture is necessary for healthy soil, excessive water can make it difficult to work with.
When topsoil is exposed to prolonged or heavy rainfall, it can become saturated, heavy and sticky. The wetter it becomes, the more likely it is to clump together, particularly when moved, compacted or repeatedly handled.
This can create several problems:
Clumping: Wet topsoil can form large, compacted lumps that are difficult to break apart.
Difficult spreading: Saturated soil is harder to rake, level and distribute evenly.
Increased weight: Wet soil is considerably heavier, making it more difficult to move around your garden or site.
Compaction: Repeatedly walking on or working wet soil can damage its structure, reducing the air spaces needed for healthy root development.
Delayed projects: Extremely wet topsoil may need time to dry before it can be worked effectively.
The important thing to remember is that the more topsoil is handled while excessively wet, the more difficult it can become to work with.
Even good-quality screened topsoil can become clumpy when exposed to excessive moisture. This does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with the material; it is a natural characteristic of soil when wet.
How to Store Topsoil in Bulk Bags
If you've ordered topsoil in bulk bags but aren't ready to use it, we recommend taking a few simple precautions.
1. Keep the bags covered
Although bulk bags provide a convenient way to store and transport topsoil, most are not waterproof. Rainwater can still enter through the top or penetrate the woven material.
Cover the bags with a waterproof tarpaulin, ensuring rainwater runs off rather than collecting on top.
2. Choose a suitable storage area
Where possible, place your bulk bags on firm, level and well-drained ground. Avoid areas where standing water regularly accumulates.
3. Avoid unnecessary handling
If the topsoil has become very wet, try to avoid repeatedly moving or disturbing it. Allowing the material to dry naturally before spreading will make the job much easier.
4. Keep it covered until you're ready
Even if you're only storing your topsoil for a few days, covering it can make a significant difference, particularly during periods of persistent rain.
How to Store Loose Loads of Topsoil
Loose topsoil deliveries are popular for larger landscaping and gardening projects, but they can be more exposed to the weather if left uncovered.
If you're having a loose load delivered, we recommend preparing a suitable storage area beforehand.
Ideally, the material should be tipped onto a clean, firm surface where it will not become mixed with mud, stones or other debris.
Once delivered:
Cover the entire pile with a waterproof tarpaulin.
Secure the covering to prevent it blowing away.
Position the covering so rainwater runs off rather than pooling.
Avoid storing topsoil in low-lying areas prone to flooding or standing water.
Minimise unnecessary movement of the material while it is wet.
If you're planning a landscaping project during the wetter months, it's often worth keeping your topsoil covered until the ground conditions are suitable for spreading.
Should Compost Be Covered Too?
Yes. Although compost behaves differently from topsoil, it should also be protected from prolonged exposure to the elements when being stored.
Compost naturally contains organic matter and requires some moisture to support biological activity. However, excessive rainfall can leave compost waterlogged and difficult to handle.
Prolonged exposure to heavy rain may also wash some soluble nutrients out of the material.
To keep your compost in good condition:
Store bulk bags or loose compost in a well-drained area.
Cover the material during periods of heavy or persistent rainfall.
Avoid allowing water to collect around the bottom of the pile.
Keep the material moist rather than saturated.
For longer-term storage, allow suitable airflow rather than sealing damp compost completely airtight.
Proper storage helps maintain the compost's structure and makes it easier to incorporate into garden beds, borders and planting areas when needed.
Can You Use Topsoil When It's Wet?
Topsoil can naturally contain moisture, and it doesn't need to be completely dry before use.
However, there is a difference between slightly damp topsoil and soil that has become saturated.
When topsoil is excessively wet, attempting to spread, rake or level it can cause it to stick together and form clumps. Repeated handling in these conditions can also cause compaction.
For the best results, wait until the soil is workable.
A simple way to check is to take a small handful of topsoil and gently squeeze it. If it forms a solid, sticky mass that doesn't easily crumble when disturbed, it may be too wet to work effectively.
If the soil breaks apart reasonably easily, conditions are generally more suitable for spreading and levelling.
Planning a Topsoil or Compost Delivery During Autumn and Winter?
The wetter months don't necessarily mean you need to put your gardening or landscaping projects on hold.
However, a little preparation can make a big difference.
Before arranging your delivery, consider whether you'll be using the material straight away or storing it for several days or weeks.
If you're not ready to use it immediately, have a suitable storage area and waterproof covering prepared before the delivery arrives.
Our advice is simple: if you're not using your topsoil or compost immediately, keep it protected from the weather.
This is especially important for topsoil, as prolonged exposure to rainfall and repeated handling while wet can make even high-quality screened material much harder to work with.
Order Topsoil and Compost in Kent from Kernahans Aggregates
At Kernahans Aggregates, we supply topsoil and compost for gardening, landscaping and groundwork projects throughout Kent.
Whether you need a smaller quantity for your garden or a larger loose load for a landscaping project, we can help you arrange a suitable delivery.
Our materials are available for collection from Matts Hill Farm, ME9 7UY, or delivery to locations throughout Kent, including Maidstone, Medway, Sittingbourne, Gravesend and surrounding areas.
Planning your next project?
Explore our range of topsoil and compost online, or contact our team for advice on ordering and delivery.
