Free Soil Calculator for Winnipeg Projects
- Ditchfield Soils
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
"How much topsoil do I need?"
The answer depends on what you're covering, how deep you need to go, and whether you account for settling. Buy too little, and you're paying for a second delivery. Buy too much, and there's a pile blocking your driveway all summer.
Here's how to calculate accurately for Winnipeg projects.
Use Our Free Soil Calculator
How Much Depth Do You Need?
Different projects require different depths. Here's what works in Winnipeg:
New Lawn (Sod): 3-4 inches
Gives roots a better growing medium than clay soil
University of Manitoba research shows 3" minimum, 4" optimal
New Lawn (Seed): 4-6 inches
Seedlings need deeper soil than sod
Extra depth helps with moisture retention during germination
Lawn Top-Dressing: ¼-½ inch maximum
Maintenance application, not a new installation
More than ½" smothers grass
Vegetable Gardens: 8-12 inches
Tomatoes and root vegetables need depth
12" provides better moisture retention for Winnipeg summers
Raised Beds: 12-18 inches
Contains the entire root zone
18" offers superior performance
Which Soil Mix for Your Project?
3-Way Mix (70% peat, 30% topsoil)
Best for: Lawn top-dressing, overseeding
Light texture won't smother existing grass
4-Way Mix (50% peat, 35% topsoil, 15% sand)
Best for: New sod, seeded lawns
Balanced blend for Manitoba's clay soils
Most popular choice for lawn installation
See all Ditchfield Soils blends formulated for Manitoba conditions.
Don't Forget Settling
New topsoil settles 15-20% after installation. This is normal compaction from moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and time.
Example: 4 inches of fresh soil becomes about 3.3 inches after settling.
When settling matters: If you need the exact final grade (next to structures, walkways), order 15-20% extra. For most lawn and garden applications, modest settling isn't a problem.
Winnipeg's freeze-thaw cycles accelerate settling compared to milder climates. The first winter shows the most dramatic compaction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting depth: "I need soil for a 20×30 space" doesn't tell the whole story. The same area at 3" versus 6" deep requires double the volume.
Ignoring settling: Calculating exact volume without the 15-20% buffer leads to shortages when the final grade matters.
Wrong soil type: Buying garden mix for lawn top-dressing smothers grass. Using lawn mix for vegetables means insufficient fertility.
No delivery plan: Measure truck access, overhead clearance, and placement location before ordering large volumes.
Quick Volume Reference
Area | 3" Deep | 6" Deep | 12" Deep |
100 sq ft | 0.9 yards | 1.9 yards | 3.7 yards |
250 sq ft | 2.3 yards | 4.6 yards | 9.3 yards |
500 sq ft | 4.6 yards | 9.3 yards | 18.5 yards |
1,000 sq ft | 9.3 yards | 18.5 yards | 37 yards |
When to Call for Help
Large projects (15+ yards): Professional installation often makes sense at this scale.
Grading-critical work: Projects requiring specific slopes or drainage need professional grading.
Combined landscaping: When soil is part of a larger work, Lawn 'N' Order handles calculation, delivery, and installation.
Need volume calculation help? Ditchfield Soils provides free estimates. Give us your measurements and project type—we'll confirm quantities and recommend an appropriate soil mix.
Comments