• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Fall Soil Test

Grab a trowel and clean bucket and then head out to the garden to gather a soil sample for testing.

Fall is a great time to test your soil.  The soil testing labs are usually less busy so you will get your results back quickly.  Plus, you’ll have all the needed information for preparing your garden for the next growing season.

Soil test results tell you how much, if any, and what type of fertilizer to use.  This can help your garden, the environment and your pocket book.   Adding too much or the wrong type of fertilizer can impact plant growth and productivity.  Plus, excess nutrients can leach through the soil and pollute our groundwater.

Take separate samples from each garden.   Start by testing new gardens or those experiencing problems.  You only need to test established gardens every 4 or 5 years.

Contact your local Extension Service for State certified soil testing labs in your area.

A bit more information:  A soil test report is only as good as the sample you gather.  Watch my Melinda’s Garden Moment video on Soil Testing for tips on taking a soil sample for testing.   

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI

Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants

Register here

Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden

Register here

Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants

Register here

March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs

Register here

March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here


March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI

March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation

Register here

March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A

Register here

April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here


April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here


May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here


May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property

Register here

June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds

Register here

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win 3 Collections of Longfield Gardens
Dahlia Bulbs

ENTER NOW