GARDENING / Soil Testing

Soil testing kits are available in all garden centres. You need to take samples from all around the garden as soil acidity varies. Most plants will grow anywhere provided the soil is in good condition. The exceptions are acid-loving plants, such as camellias and rhododendrons. For the best advice on your soil type, ask at a local garden centre or a neighbour keen on gardening.

1 Collect samples of soil from trowel depth, taking 5 samples from within each area of about 1sq m and mix them together.

2 Transfer a small sub-sample into a test tube provided in the kit and add the indicator liquid in the volumes recommended.

3 Allow the soil in the tube to settle. When the liquid clears, compare the colour with chart provided to read the soil pH.

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