Right then, settle in with a cuppa, because I had a fascinating chinwag with my neighbour, Alisha, the other day about something that’s completely transformed my gardening game: soil testing. We were admiring her stunning wisteria cascading over her orangery (goals, honestly!), and the conversation naturally drifted to what makes a garden truly thrive. Alisha’s wisteria was absolutely beautiful and I think it makes such a beautiful backdrop for the garden.
“You know,” I started, gesturing towards my own slightly less exuberant flowerbeds, “I’ve been reading loads of articles lately on garden enjoyment – everything from landscaping ideas and the best shrubs for autumn colour, to tackling dreaded pests and diseases. And I’ve noticed a common thread: soil. It’s all about the soil!”
Alisha chuckled. “Absolutely! People often overlook it, but it’s the foundation of everything. I’ve been obsessed with soil for a while. You know, like, actually testing it?”
That’s where my ears perked up. I’d seen articles mentioning it, but always felt a bit intimidated. “Tell me everything! I see so much about ‘soil improvement and management’ – understanding different soil types, amending with compost, improving drainage… it’s a lot to take in.”
Alisha launched into a fantastic explanation, and I’m going to share it with you, because it’s honestly brilliant. First off, she explained, a soil test isn’t some complicated laboratory thing requiring a degree in chemistry. It’s actually quite accessible. What it does, though, is unlock a wealth of information about your soil’s composition.
“Think of it as a health check for your garden bed,” she said. “You get readings for three key things:
- pH Level: This tells you how acidic or alkaline your soil is. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0), but some are real divas and need something specific. Knowing your pH is crucial because it affects how well plants can absorb nutrients. Lime can be added to soil that is acidic to reduce the acidity. Organic matter can be added to soil that is alkaline to increase the acidity. The soil pH test is key to understanding where your soils pH is.
- Nutrient Levels: This reveals the amount of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in your soil. These are the building blocks for healthy plant growth. Soil nutrient tests identify the levels of different nutrients in your soil.
- Organic Matter Content: This indicates the amount of decomposed plant and animal material in your soil. Organic matter improves soil structure, drainage, and water retention. The more organic matter the more fertile the soil.
“So, how does one do this magic?” I asked, scribbling notes furiously.
“Easy! There are several reputable soil testing services in the UK,” Alisha explained. “Companies like Pro-Check or even kits you can order online. The process usually involves taking samples from different areas of your garden, following the instructions carefully (usually about 10cm deep, removing any surface debris) and sending them off to the lab.” Pro-Check are a very popular soil testing service, however there are other companies that can provide the same service.
Then comes the slightly daunting bit: interpreting the results. But Alisha reassured me, it’s not as scary as it looks.
“Most testing services provide a report with clear explanations,” she said. “They’ll tell you if your pH is too high or low, if you’re deficient in any nutrients, and how to correct it. Look for reports that provide specific recommendations for your soil type and the plants you want to grow.”
Alisha then explained how you can use this information to tailor your gardening practices. If your soil is acidic and you want to grow lavender, you’ll need to add lime to raise the pH. If you’re low on nitrogen, you might consider using a nitrogen-rich fertiliser or adding more composted manure. If your soil is a heavy clay, improve the drainage with organic matter like well-rotted compost or garden compost. If drainage is a big issue then try and raise the beds in the garden.
“Think about drainage too,” Alisha advised. “If your soil is constantly waterlogged, adding organic matter can help improve drainage. For clay soils, it’s a godsend!”
We chatted a bit more about specific amendments – bone meal for phosphorus, seaweed extract for potassium, and the wonders of good old-fashioned compost. And naturally we ended up discussing the benefits of her orangery for nurturing seedlings and protecting delicate plants. She explained how having an orangery allowed her to test her soils with the seedlings she was growing in pots. It gives her that extra edge to have her seedlings being in the best soil.
So, what did I learn? Well, firstly, soil testing isn’t a dark art. It’s a practical tool that empowers you to understand your soil and give your plants the best possible start. Knowing the pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content allows you to tailor your gardening practices, choose the right plants, and amend your soil effectively. Consider reputable testing services in the UK to obtain a comprehensive soil report. The information in that report can then be implemented to increase your yield of plants.
