Finding out soil properties before you can test it?

So, the last thing on my mind when choosing my "forever home" was the soil composition (well, there were other priorities ). I'm in the throes of deciding what I could take with me - bearing in mind this is going to be substantially smaller than the garden I have now - and it's just occurred to me: I have no clue what the soil will be like in the area I'm moving to!

Is there a way of finding this out?

Thank you

 

You could have a stroll round and see what's growing in the neighbourhood maybe ask someone working in their garden. Ask the present owner maybe.

 

It's been empty for a while - but, yes, nosing in others gardens would be a start: thank you

Wondered if there was some sort of database of sorts?

 

Hi 'M', Would this link be of help? It's post-code based and might give an idea of soil-type.http://www.bgs.ac.uk/discoveringGeology/geologyOfBritain/viewer.html

 

Thank you, noisette and John - just what I needed!

@JWK - if all things go to plan, then yes, I hope to move this summer

 

Ok, according to this link I'll be getting: "Freely draining lime-rich loamy soils"

This tells me I'll be getting: "1:50 000 scale bedrock geology description: Seaford Chalk Formation - Chalk. Sedimentary Bedrock formed approximately 84 to 89 million years ago in the Cretaceous Period. Local environment previously dominated by warm chalk seas."

I'm even more confused now

 

If there is a agri merchant near by you could ask them if they do soil test as well, think it's about £10-£20

 

Just don't dig too deeply, 'M'

 

Thank you, John (the One Show may not have appreciated your worth: but *I* do!)

I've only gardened on clay (so far) so wasn't too sure what I was letting myself in for (well, that's if we *get* the property - contracts aren't exchanged yet I'm ever the optimist .. which counterbalances Mr M's pessimism ) and I'm already beginning to consider what I could plant

Really appreciate the knowledge and advice shared: thanks guys