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Soil testing?

Discussion in 'Allotments Discussion' started by Cannyfullpots, Sep 13, 2015.

  1. Cannyfullpots

    Cannyfullpots Gardener

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    I was wondering what you all use to test the soil on your plots?
    I'm looking at all kinds of different ones but dont want anything expensive.

    Thought you guys may have some recommendations please? The simpler the better:blue thumb:
     
    Cannyfullpots, Sep 13, 2015
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  2. Jiffy

    Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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    I send some of our soil off to a lab and they test it for me, only because i know a man that can ;)
     
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      Jiffy, Sep 13, 2015
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      I've only done it once, earlier this year I used a kit to check the pH, N, P & K. It was various chemicals to mix with dried soil and then match up colours to a chart. It took a bit of time and I wasn't too confident with the results especially the potassium as it looked like nothing on the chart, I'd like to use a proper service like the RHS, but it costs £25 per sample:

      https://www.rhs.org.uk/membership/rhs-gardening-advice/soil-analysis

      If you are just after the basic pH test that is easier and cheap to do with a DIY kit:
      https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=239
       
      • Agree Agree x 2
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        JWK, Sep 13, 2015
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      • Freddy

        Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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        My own experience. The cheap electronic ones are totally inaccurate and the one-shot tests (a tablet that you add to water along with a soil sample) are hard to read. Better I think to use a kit as described by John.
         
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          Freddy, Sep 13, 2015
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        • *Potash*

          *Potash* Gardener

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          You drop yer trousers, put your bum on the soil, if it don't make you shudder then it's ok to plant into :)
           
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            *Potash*, Sep 13, 2015
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          • Cannyfullpots

            Cannyfullpots Gardener

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            @*Potash*
            That REALLY made me laugh - if I got my bum out everything would wilt:hate-shocked:

            @Freddy they were what I was looking at, but wasnt sure what they were like. Will steer clear now - thank you.

            Thanks @JWK
            Looks like I'll try a kit then. First growing year next year with a plot & ideally would like things to be spot on - ofcourse I cant predict the weather, but lets face it - it cant be worse than this years:huh:

            *looks out at torrential rain*
             
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              Cannyfullpots, Sep 14, 2015
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            • *Potash*

              *Potash* Gardener

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              Could be if the gulf stream switches off and we enter another Maunder Minimum :yikes:

              [​IMG]
               
              *Potash*, Sep 14, 2015
              #7 Quote in Conversation
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