Soil

Is there anywhere I can send a sample of soil to know the exact composition? Thanks.

 

@miraflores Assuming you are UK based.
The RHS offer a service details here RHS Gardening Advice - soil testing & analysis / RHS Gardening
Or James Hutton Institute Soil Analysis Service | Hutton Soils

 

While a RHS test may give interesting results, it is of course only valid for the small area the sample was taken from.

Depending on the size and location of your garden you could have quiet different parameters from one side to the other.

Think I would also try and do some of the more basic soil tests from several different locations.

First a simple PH test kit, then a soil sample mixed in clear jar of water and left to settle where it will show different layers of gravel, sand,silt etc.

Digging a hole as seeing how much water it retains /drains etc.

Even the simplest of tests, getting a handful of soil and seeing what happens when you squeeze and release it.

All these methods well documented online for you to follow and try.

 

Ricky has a good point about the testing you can do for yourself. Sending a sample off will only give you an average result for the whole garden, if you mix samples from different areas, or a specific result for a sample from one part.
Soil testing has cropped up on here before and you could have a look at these: Finding out soil properties before you can test it?
and Do you know your soil type?

 

ok I will get a ph measuring kit.