For potting mixes you want a soilless mix, not "topsoil" which can make drainage of your container a problem.

Thanks for your help.
The Evergreen top soil is not the texture of soil, does not look like soil- it is the texture of soil conditioner. Like small chunks of composted bark. Very well-draining.

My concern is the smell. ........ if it has some additive or if it in in fact not well composted, as the color and texture indicate. ?????????

Does anyone have a similiar experience with this kind of product?

I use bark fines for my potting mixes, but have not noticed any aroma other than what one would expect from pine bark. I am not familiar with the product you've mentioned.

Thanks, Rhizo, maybe I'm just being a little too picky about the scent. Other than that, it is a great buy for just what I need!

"Walmart sells real soil." That just flat out sounds wrong. :-)

Nevertheless tigerland1 is correct, this should not be labeled topsoil. It's suitable as soil conditioner, or maybe potting mix, but from the description, it's not soil. You should call them and complain.

I always advise people to find a torn bag (or accidentally make a finger sized hole if you have to), and get a look at the contents of any bagged product before buying. The cheaper it is, the more important this becomes.

I've used it to spread over bare spots, put in the bottom of big containers that would take up too much potting soil, and put over seeds that I planted to keep moisture in. It is GROUND UP PINE BARK, very loose, no nutrients, and yes, it is NOT TOP SOIL, they are misleading customers!

How does one come to the conclusion that pine bark has no nutrients?

Evergreen has a product called 'Soil Conditioner' which is exactly what one needs for heavy clay soil, or even sandy soil if planting Gardinia shrubs, since they don't like wet feet. Mix the conditioner 50/50 with the existing turf.

I've used evergreen top soil for three years in a planter bed. Planted tomatoes each year and with the help of miracle grow, they've done great! I'll use it again!