black cow premium topsoil - El Natural

xpistalpetex · 06-18-2008, 04:26 PM

would this work as a first layer?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...84-1321-235384

Revernance · 06-18-2008, 08:59 PM

Yeah, I'd like to know if it does too. Finding top soil in Southern California is hard. Seems like everything has added stuff.

You know, I've never seen that brand at a local Lowes though.

I thought you were in CA. Your profile doesn't say so thoug.

xpistalpetex · 06-19-2008, 01:13 AM

oo ya i am in so cal...the timezone wasnt correct....the lowes website must stock different to the actual store

Revernance · 06-19-2008, 09:40 PM

Don't try the Earth Gro topsoil from homedepot. I've bottled tested it. Result: smelly, dark yellow water.

Let me know if you find a good brand!

xpistalpetex · 06-20-2008, 11:43 AM

well according to the lowes site, they dont sell the black cow topsoil in my local areas.

hmm looks like ill have to look at osh's stock

thanks for the tip revernance

Revernance · 06-20-2008, 01:20 PM

omg! from OSH:
Please note that we do not have an online product catalog.

well looks like I'm going to have to go local!

Is it just me, or is finding topsoil in CA really difficult?

xpistalpetex · 06-20-2008, 02:03 PM

yup osh doesnt have a online store _>_
n i just got reminded of a armstrong garden when i drove by one.
revernance did u air out the soil or just did the jar test straight from the bag?

Revernance · 06-20-2008, 02:54 PM

For the Earthgro topsoil, I let it air out for 2 months. Jar test came out ugly

It was this red bag:
http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/1...77x150-0-0.jpg

xpistalpetex · 06-20-2008, 08:03 PM

hey revernance would a jar test matter since in el natural the soil would be covered by a layer of gravel or sand?

Revernance · 06-20-2008, 08:52 PM

A jar test is important because it tells you what it capable of leeching out into the water column. Even if you cover with 2 inches of gravel, it would probably still leech out. I had maybe less than an inch or so. When I was testing, a whole bunch of tannin and some other brown stuff leeched out. Plus the water stank!