Find out what type of soil you have in your garden or allotment. Step-by-step guide

Soil is the foundation of any garden or allotment. It is useful to know what type of soil we have at our site, as it affects the health of the plants, their growth and yield. 

Knowing your soil type is the first step in creating a beautiful garden. This will help you make better use of its potential and make it easier to choose plants and fertiliser for it. 

Here's how to find out for yourself what type of soil you have in your garden:

1. Take a soil sample from your garden or allotment - ideally take it from several different locations from a depth of about 10-15 cm 
2. Pour the samples into one container, then mix. 
3. Moisten the soil if it is dry, adding a few drops of water at a time until it is susceptible to moulding
4. Knead the soil in your hands and form it into a lump
5. Identify the soil type:
   • Sandy soil - this is when the clod crumbles in the hands and is granular
   • Loamy-sandy soil- occurs when it crumbles when the sample is touched, but unlike sandy soil it is not granular
   • Clay soil - is sticky, heavy and difficult to crumble
   • Clay soils - are smooth and slippery, but not as sticky as clay soils (you can compare their consistency to butter)
   • Peaty soil - can be recognised by its high moisture content and stickiness.

Checking soil type in the garden - by yourself or with the help of a laboratory? 

Why even bother with what type of soil we have in the garden and what then to do with this knowledge? 

• Regular testing of soil pH will help to further adapt crops for specific plants.
• Pay attention to the naturally occurring vegetation on the plot, which can also indicate the soil type.
• For a more detailed analysis of mineral elements and pH levels, consider sending a soil sample to the laboratory.

Soil analysis in the laboratory is a comprehensive way of determining the composition and health of the soil, which is important for effective plant cultivation. When testing soil, the laboratory carries out a number of tests that provide a lot of important information. First of all, it determines the pH level, which is an indicator of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. This is important because pH affects the availability of nutrients for plants. 

A soil test in the laboratory will help you choose the right fertiliser 

This is followed by an analysis of minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and micronutrients including iron, manganese, copper and zinc. This information is essential for the correct choice of fertilisation. 

The laboratory also tests the organic matter content, which is important for soil structure and its ability to retain water and nutrients. In addition, tests are carried out for salinity and other toxic substances, such as heavy metals, which can adversely affect plant health. Such tests are available in Poland, and costs may vary depending on the scope and type of analysis.