soil testing continued

It was quite exciting today, discovering the pH of the soil. Ivor and I took 10 samples around the garden, in different spots, and after leaving the samples to dry out I spent most of the day crushing soil into crumbs (yes, I have a blister to prove this), while he was out mushrooming with a friend.

Then came the pH test :

 I have only tested two areas for pH so far, and apparently the soil, which is 'argileuse et fine' - fine clay, is also between 6.5 and 7pH so, only very slightly acid. Good for pear trees, and raspberries and strawberries according to the leaflet I have read - more research to be done, as I really want to plant apples. Hopefully the top part of the garden will be slightly more acidic. Next stage, take the dried, painstakingly crushed soil - not allowed to touch it with hands - add distilled water and shake for one minute (I did time it!) and allow to settle. This stage may take 24 hours due to the type of soil. So here are the samples, ready to be tested tomorrow (if I find time) for NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium).