The soil preparation we're recommending for this area of your garden is

Description:

An alternative and new approach to soil importation, our EarthLean TM is not really soil at all, but a totally different kind of growing medium specially blended as an alternative to traditional soil and perfect for plants that would not normally grow well in a fertile soil.

Method:

Prepare border areas as shown on plan to result in a consistent 50mm depth of compacted Breedon gravel or similar locally available self binding gravel laid over 100mm compacted MOT Type 1.  Beneath these layers up to 300mm depth of blended EarthLite (see below for blend) can be used to build up the area if necessary. Prior to the importation of any new material, loosen the base of the excavated bed using the ripper tooth attachment on the digger or by forking over thoroughly by hand.

NOTE: If reduced digging is necessary, subsoil MUST be broken up prior to the addition of Earthlite.  If, once excavated, the sub soil does not freely drain, a drainage solution must be installed or the planting style amended.

Suitable for most:

• Wildflowers
• Annuals that like low nutrient growing mediums

Not suitable for:

• Most trees (but there are some exceptions)
• Most traditional hedging
• Shrubs that require moisture
• Traditional herbaceous perennials that require a fertile soil
• Annuals that require a fertile soil
• Vegetables
• Most annual herbs
• Fruit
• Planters
• Acid loving plants such as Rhododendrons, Camelias, Azaleas
• Bog plants

EarthLite Specification blend: (exact content may differ as reclaimed materials from site may produce slightly different results)

• 2% clay
• 23% horticultural sand
• 3% silt
• 2% organic matter (from clean PASS100)
• 70% MOT 3 or reclaimed materials from site crushed 40mm-dust*

*Materials suitable for crushing include concrete blocks, bricks, concrete slabs, stone walling, stone paving, slate, stone or terracotta roof tiles.

Available to buy from: Topsoil – Hallstone & MOT3 (available from most builders merchants)

Designer to approve soil preparation on site before planting begins

Client Notes:

This growing medium blend has been selected due to its free-draining nature and will not appear like a traditional soil.

Please expect some annual weed growth, especially in the first two seasons.  Weeds should be pulled out by hand before they become established.

If the newly created beds will be left fallow (empty) for any period of time, it may be easier to use one application of weedkiller.

Specification created January 2026

Disclaimer