Soil Types

[chilliking]

OK, may be a silly question but as I'm branching out and growing more varieties of veg (planning to build raised beds over the winter for next year) it is about time i learned more about my soil.

I know it makes a difference if you have acidic/alkaline soil. Is there an easy way to work out what type i have or will i need to go and buy some fancy test kit?

[Two_Sheds]

You could study what grows well in your area.
Azaleas, rhododendrons etc = acid
Brassicas = alkaline

Or else, have a look here: http://aberaeronallotments.org/ferti..._lime_info.htm

[Capsid]

I don't think you need to worry too much about the pH of your soil for veg, it will all grow fine. The main thing to do is add compost as this will improve the soil structure and help retain water and nutrients.

You can lime the soil before you plant brassicas but that's the only treatment I bother with.

[chilliking]

having recently moved into the area i'm not too sure what grows well. there is a nice big rhododenron outside the back door that looked very healthy when flowering a few weeks ago. and the purple sprouting brocolli i planted is looking very healthy!

maybe it is ph neutral!

[ddiogyn]

According to my vegetable book, if you have a hydrangea then the colour of its flowers indicate the pH of the soil it's grown in, where pink = pH >7, blue pH <6.5