Finding out soil properties before you can test it?

Discussion in 'NEW Gardeners !' started by "M", May 11, 2014.

  1. "M"

    "M" Total Gardener

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    So, the last thing on my mind when choosing my "forever home" was the soil composition (well, there were other priorities :heehee: ). 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! :doh:

    Is there a way of finding this out? :noidea:

    Thank you :)
     
  2. NigelJ

    NigelJ Total Gardener

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    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.
     
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    • "M"

      "M" Total Gardener

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      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? :noidea:
       
    • noisette47

      noisette47 Total Gardener

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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Hi @"M" - have I missed something? Are you on the move?

        I posted the following link a couple of years ago but the thread seems to have got lost in the recent server crash. Anyway, it's pretty accurate:

        http://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/
         
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        • "M"

          "M" Total Gardener

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

          @JWK - if all things go to plan, then yes, I hope to move this summer :)
           
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          • "M"

            "M" Total Gardener

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            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 :roflol:
             
          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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            Both make sense M, the noisette link tells you that your underlying geology is Chalk, that link I posted tells you your soil type is as expected over chalk, i.e. a free-draining limey type, but your bonus is getting "loamy" as well. That means it will have some clay content, so it sounds a lovely mix, you'll be able to grow lots of good stuff in that - but not acid loving plants like rhododendrons etc.
             
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            • Jiffy

              Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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              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
               
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              • JWK

                JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                Dunno if I explained that very well. Basically underneath your soil you have chalk. Some of that chalk will get into your soil making it limey and alkaline. The "loamy" bit means it will retain water and provide nutrients for your plants. It's all good!
                 
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                • noisette47

                  noisette47 Total Gardener

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                  Just don't dig too deeply, 'M':heehee:
                   
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                  • "M"

                    "M" Total Gardener

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                    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 :heehee: I'm ever the optimist .. which counterbalances Mr M's pessimism :snork:) and I'm already beginning to consider what I could plant :redface:

                    Really appreciate the knowledge and advice shared: thanks guys :thumbsup:
                     
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