soil test for veggie bed

[laurie]

I am trying to make a vegetable garden at a new (for us) house. The local cats have been using the newly dug up area as a loo! I have tried orange peels and sticking computer discs in the soil. I've just ordered some coleus plants that worked well for me at a former location. I am worried though about eating what comes out of the ground here. So far I've planted a lot of potatoes, tomatoes and beans. I'm also wondering if there may be harmful chemicals in the soil. The previous owner kept a boat on this spot.
Is there some place I could send off a soil sample?
Thanks for reading all this.
Laurie
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[Wombat]

have you tried your local dept of Ag, laurie?

If they don't do it they probably will know who does.......

Nev

[laurie]

Thanks, but I don't know of a county ag advisor's office in England. We had them in California. When I've looked online about soil testing, I just see things about pH.

[hedgewizard]

Oh so you're in England? Try ringing the nearest public analyst's office. They'll point you in the right direction.

[laurie]

Thanks. After ringing them up (and being referred in turn 5 times) I managed to get the numbers of several companies that can test the soil for me. I just hope the cost isn't prohibitive.

Laurie

[hedgewizard]

How much was it? I'm curious.