Soil testing kits

[Busman]

Hello, all.
I took over a plot almost 2 years ago, and have been quite lucky so far in what I've managed to grow
However, I think it's time that I found out what my soil's like - pH, nutrients etc. Has anyone got any recommendations as to which kit to buy, or avoid?

Cheers.

[Alison]

We've had discussions in these before and although I can't speak from personal experience, a few people did seem to think that they were t get accurate as they sometimes seemed to claim, say, alkaline when put in vinegar. Personally I work on looking what grows and if things look like they're struggling adapt based in that. I feed with as much home made compost I can find and then name a lot of comfrey and nettle teas. Seems to work for me and I'd think that maybe you've not been lucky at all but you're probably just doing the right think. I think gardening is quite instinctive and the plants usually tell you what they need . Am sure somebody will be to give you a better answer that's more specific but I wanted to say not to over think and carry on doing what you're doing

[veggiechicken]

Hi Busman and welcome.
As Alison said, there have been discussion about soil testing and the comments are pretty mixed!
Here are a few threads to whet your appetite

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...light=alkaline
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...elp_75748.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...light=alkaline

[4390evans]

When I done the RHS course they used this kit where you put your soil 8nto a test tube, the teacher said that was the only certain way to know what type your soil is as the one_ you buy in the shop you can only use once

But I was told to just look around and see what you have growing already or what your neighbours grow eg hydrangers = soild could be on the acidic side...

[veggiechicken]

But I was told to just look around and see what you have growing already or what your neighbours grow eg hydrangers = soild could be on the acidic side...

Its the colour of the hydrangea flowers that indicate whether your soil is acid or alkaline
Blue = Acid
Mauve = neutral
Pink = alkaline

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=122

[Potstubsdustbins]

I think most test kits only deal with the soil PH, you mention 'nutrients, etc'. If you want that sort of information google 'full spectrum soil analysis' but be sat down when you read the results.