Soil Test Before Planting

Tilled soil ready for planting

Soil testing is your best low cost insurance for enjoying a beautiful garden or lawn through this year and years ahead. In mid-winter, before the rush to spring garden begins, take soil sample(s) to the local Extension office or mail directly to your State University soil lab. 

The local Extension office may charge you a very modest fee, usually $10-12 per sample in most states. Many local garden centers and farm cooperatives may also offer this service.

Within a few weeks a soil analysis report will arrive in the mail. It tells you the current nutrition level and pH of the soil. Also, how much chemical fertilizer, limestone, manure and other organic components to add. For organic farmers and gardeners, inform the soil lab staff that you are growing organically.

This accurate diagnosis will save money. Your garden soil may be rich enough to not need any fertilizer, or too high in certain nutrients, lime or sulfur. The soil pH may be too acidic (below pH 7.0) or alkaline (above pH 7.0). Many garden plants as azaleas, rhododendrons, dwarf conifers and blueberries prefer an acidic pH around 5.0. A soil high in alkalinity (pH above 7.0) could mean that some minor nutrients like iron or manganese may be unavailable to some plants.

How to collect a sample: Test your garden or lawn soil at least once every 4-5 years. You may want to separately test lawn, vegetable, fruit, and flower garden areas. If you specialize in growing roses, test this garden spot separately. For each garden section, randomly collect (dig) 4-5  spots to a depth of 5-6 inches into a bucket. From the bucket mix the sample and collect enough soil to fill a large baby food jar. The soil should be aired dry for several days before mailing it to the soil lab. Label the sample "roses", "vegetables", or "flowers".