On the subject of soil testing ... are the paper test strips as good as anything?
For pH, yes.
But for a proper soil analysis you should: 1. Put about 5 cm soil in a jam jar (take samples from different areas) 2. Top up with water 3. Swish around 4. Allow to settle. 5. Evaluate. The bottom layer will be sand and stones. The next layer, silt. The next layer, clay. And on the top, humus and vegetable materials.
Google "soil analysis". Or wait for the helpful poster who when this subject came up before posted pictures of it all happening.
Testing for mineral deficiencies is a job for professionals.
location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand. "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
OED: humus |ˈhjuːməs| noun [mass noun] the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms.
You can't buy it, but it results from any organic material. One never can make enough leafmould and compostheap compost, you just have to make as much as you can.
You can buy decomposed vegetable and garden waste from the local council.
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But for a proper soil analysis you should:
1. Put about 5 cm soil in a jam jar (take samples from different areas)
2. Top up with water
3. Swish around
4. Allow to settle.
5. Evaluate. The bottom layer will be sand and stones. The next layer, silt. The next layer, clay. And on the top, humus and vegetable materials.
Google "soil analysis". Or wait for the helpful poster who when this subject came up before posted pictures of it all happening.
Testing for mineral deficiencies is a job for professionals.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."