Soil Analysis — Why It's the Foundation of Every Successful Garden

90% of a plant's problems begin in the soil, not the leaf. Yet most gardens are built without the soil ever being tested. A soil analysis is a cheap step that saves you from far more expensive mistakes.

What the test measures

• pH — acidity/alkalinity. Many soils in Tbilisi and eastern Georgia are limey (pH > 7.5), which blocks iron uptake and hurts hydrangeas, azaleas, and blueberries.
• Macronutrients — nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)
• Micronutrients — iron, zinc, boron, magnesium
• Organic matter — the soil's "fuel" and the basis of its structure
• Texture — clay, sand, or silt — determines drainage and watering

How to read the result

The analysis gives you not just numbers but recommendations: how much and which fertilizer to apply, whether the soil needs lime (to raise pH) or peat/sulphur (to lower it), how much organic matter to add.

Foliar analysis

Alongside a soil test, a foliar (leaf) analysis is often done — it measures what the plant actually takes up. This matters especially in orchards and vineyards, where a hidden deficiency cuts yield directly.

When to do it

• Before installing a new garden or lawn — essential
• In an existing garden, if plants weaken for no obvious reason
• In vineyards and intensive orchards — annually or every two years
• For chronic lawn problems (moss, bare patches)

The next step

Soil and foliar analyses are part of Dr. VERDE's seasonal agrotechnical works. The results feed directly into lawn installation and planting plans, and at agricultural scale into the agronomic consulting within agro project management. Before you plant, test the soil — see also 7 tips for home-yard gardening.