hey,

if iam planting tomato and corn plants this spring, what type of soil should i use. I dont think the soil in my area (Baltimore, MD) is very high quality, so i probably want to replace it with commercial soil. How should i go about doing this, what type of soil should i buy, should i add in any fertilizers, composts, etc. any help would be greatly appreciated thanks alot

Don't forget the lime, expecially with the maters. The flowers won't set and if they do the maters will be a low percentage of quality.

You are going to find out that topsoil is very expensive. If you are thinking of importing, you will find most soil available to you to be local and of the same make up. Of course, you want to avoid fill dirt. I worry this might not work when you look at the costs. It will have to be hauled, dumped and spread. Then you will need to turn it into the earth, etc.

Heavily much the plants(8" deep) , this will virtually eliminate weeds , reduce water loss , and will enrich the soil as it breaks down . If you keep a garden area 8" deep in mulch all year around you will eventually no longer need a tiller , the worms will do all the tilling for you and your soil will become very rich . It's not an overnight solution , but it does work .

I don't know haw big of agarden you want but just a few tomato plants grow very good in a flower bed or planter. I like the German Johnson or other low acid varity and grow 6 plants (all my family and neighbors can eat) in a 6x6 planter mixed with bagged top soil yard dirt and ashes from the fire place.
Mulch is great wheat or oat straw, even old hay works great and does not cost much.

If you can find someone with horses in a barn you may be able to get some free soil builder! I would add some manure, sawdust,and compost instead of trying to replace what is already there. Remember it will take time to build the soil, so don't expect miracles. In five or so years you should have a really good soil with the proper amounts and types of soil amendments.