Use of topsoil for the garden

Hello,

we would like to use the topsoil from our garden, which has been piled up behind our house since the construction of the house (about 2 years ago). However, our gardener will only start in spring. He advised us to move the topsoil to another place already, as the spot where it currently lies will be needed then.

So if we move the soil now, we wondered if the soil needs to be sieved to be used for a garden. We could do that this year already. If it should be sieved, what is best to use? Are there special "soil sieves" available for rent?

I can't tell you anything about sifting... I wonder why sifted soil is used in the beds when small stones are also good for the soil substance for the vegetation (drainage and such). So I would only sift the soil where the lawn is going or collect out the stones.

In any case, if I were you, I would cover your (after 2 years) leached topsoil with a green manure after spreading it. There is a lot of information about green manure on Google.

We only leveled the topsoil and then laid the lawn on it. The neighbors sieved, added a layer of gravel sand, and then laid the lawn. Result: It definitely turned out better for the neighbors. For us, it is completely okay – it’s a play lawn anyway, but if you want a proper English show lawn, then sieve the soil (a coarse sieve will certainly be sufficient) and prepare the ground optimally for the lawn.

We only raked the topsoil and then laid down the grass. The neighbors sifted it, put a layer of gravelly sand on top, and then laid the grass. Result: For the neighbors, it definitely got better. For us, it’s completely okay – it’s a play lawn anyway, but if you prefer an English show lawn, then sift the soil (a coarse sieve will surely suffice) and prepare the ground optimally for the lawn.

We have 2 children (4 and 6 years old)... So it’s more of a play lawn. A knowledgeable acquaintance has now told me that we should spread the soil, rake it several times, roll it, water it, and roll it again. That would be completely sufficient!