Black dirt vs. garden mix soil 1-1-1 - Ask Extension
Recently, I had a landscape project completed that included installing a garden bed that was supposed to be 12 inches of "garden mix soil 1-1-1&q...
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Black dirt vs. garden mix soil 1-1-1 #884711
Asked September 10, 2024, 10:24 AM EDT
Recently, I had a landscape project completed that included installing a garden bed that was supposed to be 12 inches of "garden mix soil 1-1-1". In error, they installed regular black dirt and it is not 12 inches deep so when I started planting perennials, I hit heavy clay soil that we have in Plymouth. Can you please explain what the difference is between regular black dirt and garden soil mix 1-1-1? I dropped off a sample of the black dirt to find out what its composition really is but I would also like to understand what garden mix 1-1-1 soil contains vs. the regular black dirt.
Thank you!
Jeri Rolbiecki
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Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Good question! Good garden soil should be loam, which is a mix of sand, silt and clay. Approximately 40% sand, 40% silt and 20% clay, and in addition, high in organic matter 4-10%. In general, more sand and silt, less clay. It's black in color, crumbly, and earthy smell. Garden soil mix 1-1-1 is a mix of top soil, peat moss/compost, and sand. Black dirt is a sounds good term but can be any good or bad soil that is black in color. From a reputable supplier black dirt will be a good thing, but from a shady supplier it can be questionable.
Twelve inches is 12 inches! No room for interpretation.
Paul - Master Gardener volunteer
