Jennifer, depending on where you live, you could have "contractors' dirt", which is the solid clay and rock dug up during the building process (new or old, same thing) and spread on the property -- AFTER they have sold all the original topsoil to someone for bagging and resale. So do not use historic situations as a judgement for yours today. Look into what you actually have. If your soil, like mine, is all clay, little will grow in it. So if you don't want to fast forward to an instantly wonderful garden, start with plants that aren't picky. Amend the soil with a good mulch every year. Soon you will notice your soil is richer, and the more persnickety plants will do well. Good luck!
Jennifer, depending on where you live, you could have "contractors' dirt", which is the solid clay and rock dug up during the building process (new or old, same thing) and spread on the property -- AFTER they have sold all the original topsoil to someone for bagging and resale. So do not use historic situations as a judgement for yours today. Look into what you actually have. If your soil, like mine, is all clay, little will grow in it. So if you don't want to fast forward to an instantly wonderful garden, start with plants that aren't picky. Amend the soil with a good mulch every year. Soon you will notice your soil is richer, and the more persnickety plants will do well. Good luck!