GardenSite’s 3 Steps to Supreme Soil

The success of a vegetable bed depends on knowing the soil’s acidity, nutrient content and composition. Read on for our top tips to ensure high yields and quality blooms.

1. Test the pH

The pH of your soil should be near the 6.5 mark. You can discover its reading with testing kits that are cheap and easy to use. To increase alkalinity, add lime in small quantities in the spring before you start sowing. To encourage acidity, apply manure every autumn. Altering the pH can take time, so test your veg bed regularly.

2. Note the nutrients

You can also use a soil testing kit to determine which nutrients are present. Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are important elements, along with calcium, magnesium and sulphur. Trace elements such as zinc, copper, boron and iron are essential in small amounts.

Use general fertilisers to cure major nutrient deficiencies. For specific problems, use targeted products, such as rock potash to increase potassium. Seaweed, compost and manure will ensure that the full range of trace elements are embedded in your soil. Be careful to maintain correct ratios, as too much of one element may inhibit another.

3. Know your soil type

If you find that the soil in your veg bed is problematic, read the following methods for fixing a variety of soil types.

Clay: mix organic matter such as lime or coarse grit to ensure that the soil holds plenty of nutrients and water.
Sandy: dig in organic matter such as mushroom compost, spent hops and seaweed to increase water retention, and add fertiliser to avoid nutrient deficiency.
Free-draining chalk: this benefits from mulching and a covering of vegetation. Mix in green manure in the autumn.
Peat: raising the pH level of the ground to become more alkaline is an advantage, as peat soil is fertile but acidic, which is unsuitable for many types of edibles.

GardenSite is a family-run business that has been in the industry for over 60 years, with a passion to guide, advise and provide customers with everything they need to create their perfect outdoor space. For more information, visit gardensite.co.uk

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