Question
My basement is a little moist, and I was advised to grade the soil around the house so rainwater doesn't seep into the foundation. I have been using topsoil for the smaller side of the house. It is the cheapest soil I can find (and it is quite hard once it settles).
Now I need to grade a longer stretch against the back of the house. What kind of soil should I be using, and where can I buy it? I don't have a lot of time, and don't revel in the idea of having a truck load of soil on my front lawn.

Answer
Hi Tom,  You should exactly the same type soil you have now.  It's going to be the cheapest soil available and is probably called "local" top soil. You should not use any prepared soils that are a blend of anything.  If you have clay, that's what you should be using.  Anything looser than you subsoil will hold water and aggravate your problem, not fix it.  Jim