I reckon that's a great question. I hope this answer, which is only my interpretation of the terms, is sufficient.

A side dressing is an extra application of fert or lime etc. It would be done as an extra to the regular soil preparation which has occurred. For example, you may have a bed ready to receive tomatoes, all tilled and manured and composted but as tomatoes like potash, you could give them a side dressing of sulphate of potash. Similarly, cabbages may like a side dressing of a nitrogen based organic fertilizer like chicken manure pellets. So i see it as meaning an extra application of something, specific to the plant being grown.

Top dressing is when you cover an entire area with soil or sand and allow the plant, such as lawn grass, to grow up thru it. Or you may top dress a vegie bed with compost. Then till it in.

Again, these are only my interpretations.

* * * *

The secret is the soil.

DeeLuzon,
Never apologize for asking questions,
we alllllll were beginers at some point of time..
And that is how you/we learn something...

I think Longy gave you a great answer....

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/