BE Rakig E PA Ra my CS Soil conditioning is more than 
just preparing it for seed; 
more than just “working” the 
TH E Sol L eee earth. Turning soil over does 
prepare it mechanically to re- 
ceive plants or seeds—but for 
good growing results certain materials must be added to re- 
plenish the all-important humus and nutrient. contents. 
Addition of outside material containing organic matter is 
of benefit to the soil in these three specific ways: 
| The mechanical condition, or friability, of the soil 
© is improved. 
7 Humus, or humus-making material, is added. 
3. Plant foods, either available or potential, are invested. 
MOISTURE 
Primarily we condition 
soils for better plant AIR 
growth—a goal reached 
by a proper balance of HEAT 
four basic requirements 
as follows: NUTRIENTS 
To obtain the best results in our gardens and lawns we always 
must keep these four factors in mind. For instance, since we 
know moisture is a basic requirement, any soil conditioning 
which helps to maintain a proper balance of moisture will 
be profitable to the gardener. 
Formulas for obtaining the desired moisture balance in 
soils vary because soils, themselves, vary in physical proper- 
ties. Some are so heavy and compact that a certain amount 
of moisture will make them sticky or mucky and too wet for 
best plant growth. Other soils may be so light or open in 
texture that they will not hold the required amount of 
moisture. 
HOW TOPPER HELPS THE GARDENER 
TOPPER is a specially prepared mulch for soil conditioning, 
a forest product development of the Weyerhaeuser Timber 
Company. It is composed of small cork flakes, scientifically 
recovered from Douglas fir bark. TOPPER is clean, free of 
weed seeds and decomposes slowly. The TOPPER cork flakes, 
when mixed with soil, are ideal for conditioning it to main- 
tain correct moisture content. 
FOR EXAMPLE: The very fine particles which make up 
heavy soils are readily separated by the cork flakes of 
TOPPER, allowing better drainage and aeration., This one 
simple act of soil conditioning changes the texture of the 
heavy soil, allows for more air spaces, regulates the moisture 
content and adds humus-building ma- 
terial. This conditioning should be 
done to a depth of five or six inches 
in most garden soils. In some instances, 
where the subsoil is exceptionally hard, 
it will be advantageous to work in 
TOPPER to a greater depth. 
LIGHT SANDY SOILS, or soils contain- 
ing a large amount of coarse sand or 
gravel, often are deficient in humus. 
This allows moisture to drain through 
it, creating no reservoir for dry weather. 
There are two ways of using TOPPER 
for this type soil. One is to incorporate 

Keeps out Sun 
Holds Moisture 
