Momsy 0 Report post Posted April 26, 2014 How many inches of topsoil can be safely added to a foundation flower bed and not suffocate the plants? The bed has settled over the years and my flowers are well established. Hellebores, ferns, wintergreen and spring flowering bulbs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steven Nikkila 32 Report post Posted April 26, 2014 I would not even consider using topsoil. Use compost. You can go 2 inches deep with shredded compost. The landscape supplier that has the topsoil should be able to supply you with the compost. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pam palechek 0 Report post Posted April 26, 2014 We collect our leaves in the fall and shred them, bag them and save them for just such an occasion. I put a 2" top dressing in the fall, by spring I am usually amazed by how much has vanished. In spring I clean up, fertilize and add 2" of shredded leaves. It really improves my soil, and slows down the weeds. We normally remove a lot of nutrients from the garden when we cut flowers, trim back growth, harvest or "cleanup" the garden. I will add much back with the return of shredded leaves, nutrients but not weight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
