The science of soils will be investigated by the Beechgrove Garden tonight (Monday 1 August 2011).
Many gardeners often wonder why their favourite plants don’t grow, or their garden looks bare despite watering and adding fertiliser. following the best gardening tips and advice, there is no guarantee that you will be able to achieve your ambition of a dream garden unless you know your soil.
To find out more, presenter Jim McColl visits The James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen to discuss the effect organic matter has on soil drainage as well as discussing soil pH and how it can be adjusted by the addition of lime.
“If you want to get the most from your garden it’s important to know what type of soil you have and how to improve it,” said Institute Soil Scientist Dr Jason Owen. “It is essential to understand how the addition of material, for example organic matter or lime, can influence soil attributes, for example water retention and soil acidity.
The Institute’s world famous laboratories can also test soil for gardeners all over the country. The MacaulaySoils soil testing service takes soil samples through a number of comprehensive tests including analysis for pH levels, nutrients, organic matter and nitrate. The high quality soil data is then sent back to the customer by post or email within 3-10 working days.
Scotland’s favourite gardening programme is aired on Monday at 7:30pm on BBC One Scotland.
To find out more about your soil visit www.macaulaysoils.com [1] or call 01224 395115.
ENDS
The James Hutton Institute was formed earlier this year by uniting the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, an internationally renowned centre for soils research, and SCRI (Scottish Crop Research Institute) based in Dundee, and now boasts combined strengths in crops, soils, land use and environmental research.
MacaualaySoils.com offers customers unique access to world class soil testing facilities, providing a range of fast, professional and affordable testing services.
Bernardo Rodriguez-Salcedo [2], Media Manager, Tel: +44 (0)1224 395089 [3] (direct line), +44 (0)344 928 5428 [4] (switchboard) or +44 (0)7791 193918 [5] (mobile).
Links:
[1] http://www.macaulaysoils.com/
[2] mailto:bernardo.rodriguez-salcedo@hutton.ac.uk?subject=Query%20from%20Hutton%20website
[3] tel:+441224395089
[4] tel:+44344928 5428
[5] tel:+447791193918