So I've seen a few old posts about this, but haven't found much of an answer. I am looking to start a small garden behind my house and would love some rich soil to plant with. I also would like some seeds for basil and other types of vegetables. I know about the plant market behind the Tesco and will be looking there tomorrow, but any other places to buy such items would be great! Please don't say "start a compost and make your own soil". I am already doing this and will be adding this to whatever store bought soil I can find. Thanks in advance!

Not sure about Soil, but I have seen seeds for sale in the big Temple markets. I remember thinking they were pretty cheap.

In my opinion this is the best source of seeds in Chiang Mai. They sell arugala, italian basil, and a lot of other stuff you won't run into any where else. They are located close to Tesco, close to where the superhighway passes over the Ping. Not easy to find the first time, but worth the hunt. The seeds mentioned above are not on display on the walls. You have to ask for them. As you are cruising along the west or mountain side of the river you are looking for Soi 3. The tires in picture 1 are the big landmark.

its hard to find good topsoil to add to a plot for a garden. a lswn, etc. a compost pile and a load of sand worked in to old rice land (dense clay) is a good start to making a good loam soil. . the dredgeing of the river should have been a good source of soil additive, but may be hard to find, now.

you know your getting there when you freshly worked mixed soil (hoed/rototilled) is loose enough that you sink in about 4 to 6 inches as you walk across it.