If you’re looking to buy bulk dirt near Philadelphia, PA, chances are you have a big gardening or landscaping project in mind. Whether you’re starting a vegetable garden, refreshing your flower beds, or filling low spots in your yard, buying dirt in bulk can save you both time and money. Bulk delivery means you get the right quantity for your needs without multiple trips to the garden center, and you often pay less per cubic yard.
Bulk dirt is simply soil or soil-like materials sold in large quantities, often by the cubic yard, and delivered directly to your project site, making it a practical choice for gardeners tackling larger projects.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what bulk dirt is, the different types available, and how to choose the right one for your gardening goals.
What Is Bulk Dirt?
“Bulk dirt” refers to soil and soil-like materials sold by volume, typically in cubic yards, rather than by the bag. It’s a cost-effective option for larger projects, and you can choose from a range of soil types depending on your needs. When you buy bulk dirt near Philadelphia, PA, it’s usually delivered directly to your driveway or project site, ready for spreading.
Types of Dirt for Gardening Projects
When buying dirt in bulk, it’s essential to match the material to your project. Here are the most common types:
- Topsoil – A nutrient-rich layer ideal for lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens. It retains moisture well and supports healthy root growth.
- Compost – Made from decomposed organic matter, compost improves soil fertility and structure, making it great for organic gardening.
- Common Fill – Basic soil used for filling large holes or leveling areas. Not ideal for planting, as it may lack nutrients.
- Select Fill – A cleaner, more compactable fill material often used for structural purposes under patios or driveways.
- Clay – Dense and heavy, clay retains water and compacts easily. It’s sometimes used under patios or driveways, but for gardening, it benefits most from added organic matter like compost to improve drainage and structure.
- Sand – Improves drainage and is often used to loosen heavy clay soils. It’s also helpful in leveling or creating certain garden features.
How to Choose the Right Soil for Your Garden
The right soil sets the foundation for healthy, thriving plants. Before you buy bulk dirt near Philadelphia, PA, it’s worth taking a few extra steps to ensure you get the best match for your specific needs.
1. Identify Your Garden’s Purpose
Start by considering what you’re growing:
- Vegetables and herbs: Need nutrient-rich soil with good drainage — a blend of topsoil and compost is ideal.
- Flower beds: Prefer loose, well-draining soil that retains enough moisture for blooms.
- Lawns: Benefit from screened topsoil for even seeding and root development.
2. Test Your Existing Soil
If you’re adding soil to an existing garden, test it first. A simple at-home soil test can measure pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter. This tells you whether your soil is too acidic, too alkaline, or lacking in key nutrients, helping you decide on the right amendments.
3. Check Texture and Drainage
Good garden soil is crumbly and holds together slightly when squeezed but breaks apart easily. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, while overly sandy soil may dry out too quickly. You can test drainage by digging a hole about 12 inches deep, filling it with water, and timing how quickly it drains — ideally, it should empty in 1–2 hours.
4. Match Soil Type to Plant Needs
Some plants thrive in specific conditions. For example:
- Root vegetables prefer loose, sandy loam for easier growth.
- Perennials like slightly richer soil with steady moisture.
- Succulents need gritty, well-draining mixes.
5. Consider Organic Content
Soils with higher organic matter — like compost or aged manure — feed your plants naturally, improve moisture retention, and support beneficial microbes. If you’re into organic gardening, look for soils that are OMRI-listed (Organic Materials Review Institute) for certified organic use.
6. Think About Volume and Consistency
When buying dirt in bulk, you’ll get the same mix across your entire project, which ensures consistency in nutrient levels and texture — something that’s harder to achieve with bagged soil bought in small batches.
Tips for Buying Bulk Dirt Near Philadelphia, PA
- Measure your space so you know how many cubic yards you need.
- Ask about delivery schedules — some suppliers book up in spring and early summer.
- Check soil quality before ordering, especially if you’re planting edible crops.
- Consider blending different soil types for optimal results.
Get Started on Your Garden Project
If you’re ready to transform your yard, buying dirt in bulk is the smart choice. You’ll get better value, the exact quantity you need, and the right soil type to match your plants.
Borrow-Pit.com is a peer-to-peer listing service for contractors, individuals, land owners, and material producers to advertise their materials and aggregates. If your project has a large cut and you want to mitigate some of your trucking costs, Borrow-Pit.com can help. If you have a large area that needs to be filled with material or aggregate, Borrow-Pit.com can help. If you are an aggregate producer or you’re crushing concrete and want to increase visibility for your products, Borrow-Pit.com can help.
Ready to get the perfect soil for your garden?
Browse buy bulk dirt near Philadelphia, PA listings today on Borrow-Pit.com and connect directly with trusted suppliers. Your dream garden starts from the ground up — literally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to buy garden soil online?
The cheapest method is to order bulk dirt from a local supplier and have it delivered. This not only avoids retail markups but also reduces packaging costs compared to bagged soil.
What type of soil should I use for a raised vegetable garden?
A 50/50 mix of topsoil and compost provides the nutrients and drainage necessary for healthy vegetable growth.
What is the best soil for raised-bed organic gardening?
Look for organic topsoil blended with compost or other natural amendments to support plant health without synthetic chemicals.
How does garden soil differ from topsoil?
Garden soil is typically a blend of topsoil and organic matter, formulated for planting, while topsoil alone may not have the nutrient balance for optimal plant growth.
What is the price of a truckload of sand?
In the Philadelphia area, a truckload of sand typically costs between $150 and $600 for 10 to 15 cubic yards, depending on quantity, delivery distance, and sand type.
