Hi, I think im ready to turf my garden now after i have dug it up and levelled it. as it was a new build house, there was quite alot of rubble which i had to move and i think i have done that. but there is quite alot of dry mud / little rubble balls, that are still left, but need that to level it out against the fence. so in the next couple of weeks i will be buying the turf and hopefully laying it. should i buy topsoil to lay under the turf to give it fresh soil underneath? Also would i need to get rid of the little rubble against the fence and put top soil there to replace it, or would it be ok to leave and just lay a little topsoil under the turf when i lay it? thank you

You will need topsoil if the ground is mostly subsoil - what do you think? I|s it growing weeds successfully (usually a good sign!) and is it free draining, and is it a dark crumbly soil or is it bad news i.e. very sticky clay or very sandy? If clay/sand, then topsoil would be a good idea to aid growth. Not knowing which part of the country your garden is in, or being able to see your ground conditions, it's difficult to advise on whether you need topsoil or not.

Whether you add soil or not, you will have to tread the ground to compact it.

Where there is rubble near the fence, this could help drainage, depending on how much there is. The grass roots will need contact with soil for successful growth. If the rubble is gravel size, then this will help drainage, but if larger lumps, you'll probably end up with poor growth in patches. So either replace or cover with a good thickness of soil.

I suggest you go to our how-to section and look at the contents list for the 'create and care for lawns' article, for more help.

Good luck.