What Is Loam? A Simple Guide for Better Lawns & Gardens
What is Loam? Loam is the best type of soil for growing grass, flowers, and vegetables. It is a mix of sand, silt, and clay that holds water well and lets air in so roots can grow strong. If your yard is struggling or you are starting a new lawn, loam is exactly what you need. At Southridge Farm & Nursery, we carry high-quality Screened Loam that is made right here on site.
What Is Loam Made Of?
Loam is a mix of three things: sand, silt, and clay. Sand makes the soil loose so water can drain through it. Silt adds nutrients and helps the soil hold just enough moisture. Clay holds minerals and nutrients that plants need to grow. Together, these three things make loam the perfect base for any lawn or garden.
Why Loam Is Great for Plants
Plants love loam because it gives them everything they need. Here is why loam works so well:
- It drains well so roots do not sit in standing water.
- It holds enough moisture so plants do not dry out fast.
- It is packed with nutrients that help plants grow strong.
- It is easy to dig in and work with by hand or with tools.
When your soil has the right balance, your lawn and garden will look much better. Good soil is the first step to a healthy yard.
What Is Screened Loam?
Screened loam is loam that has been run through a screen to remove rocks, roots, and clumps. This makes it smooth, fine, and easy to spread. At Southridge Farm & Nursery, our Screened Loam is screened to ½ inch right here on site. That means you get a clean, consistent product every time. It is priced at just $24.00 per cubic yard and is ideal for new lawns before seeding.
When Should You Use Screened Loam?
Screened loam is the go-to choice for a few common projects. You should use it when you are putting in a brand-new lawn, filling in low spots in your yard, or preparing a garden bed for planting. It is also great for topdressing thin or patchy areas before you throw down grass seed. Because it is fine and smooth, it is easy to rake out flat and even. If you want the best results, pair your screened loam with a quality loam and compost mix for added nutrients.
Loam vs. Topsoil — What’s the Difference?
People often mix up loam and topsoil, but they are not the same thing. Topsoil is just the top layer of dirt found in the ground. It can be sandy, rocky, or full of clay. Loam is a specific type of topsoil that has the right balance of sand, silt, and clay. Not all topsoil is loam, but all loam is topsoil. When you buy screened loam, you are getting a better, more consistent product than plain topsoil.
Get Quality Screened Loam Delivered to Your Door
Loam is one of the most important things you can add to your yard. It gives your lawn and garden the healthy start they need. Whether you are seeding a new lawn or refreshing old garden beds, Screened Loam is the right choice. Southridge Farm & Nursery offers screened loam made on site, sold by the cubic yard, and available for delivery right to your property. Stop by our store on South Street in Walpole, MA or contact us today to place your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much screened loam do I need for a new lawn?
A good rule of thumb is to spread 2 to 4 inches of screened loam over the area you want to seed. For a 1,000 square foot lawn at 3 inches deep, you would need about 9 to 10 cubic yards. If you are not sure how much to order, call us at Southridge Farm & Nursery and we will help you figure it out.
Q: Can I use screened loam in my garden beds?
Yes! Screened loam works great in garden beds. Because it is smooth and free of rocks or big clumps, it is easy to mix in and plant in. For even better results in garden beds, you can also try our Soils & Sands options, including our popular Loam/Compost Mix which adds extra nutrients to boost plant growth.
