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.   

Tags

sustainable-gardening maintenance soil-test

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