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Testing Your Soil at Home:
Testing soil for gardening is an important step in ensuring the health of your plants and the success of your garden. Here is a step-by-step process for at home soil testing:
Obtain a soil sample: To get an accurate reading, take soil samples from several different areas of your garden and mix them to create a composite sample. Take a sample about 6 to 8 inches deep and about the size of a coffee cup.
Test for pH: The pH of your soil will give you an idea of its acidity or alkalinity, which is important for determining which plants will grow best in your soil. You can purchase a soil pH test kit at a garden center, online or have your soil tested professionally.
Test for nutrients: You can also test for the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in your soil, which are the primary macronutrients that plants need to grow. These tests are often combined with the pH test and are also available in garden centers, can be done professionally, or purchased online.
Test for organic matter: Organic matter is important for soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient retention. You can test the percentage of organic matter in your soil by using a soil test kit or sending a sample to a professional testing lab.
Use the results: Once you have the results of your soil tests, use them to determine what, if any, amendments you need to make to your soil to create the best-growing conditions for your plants. You may need to add compost, fertilizer, lime, or other amendments to adjust the pH or nutrient levels in your soil.
Test Kits are available HERE:
It's important to test your soil regularly, especially if you're trying to grow plants that have specific soil requirements, or if you're making significant changes to your garden, such as adding new plants or starting a new bed.
Amending Soil:
Amending soil is the process of improving its physical, chemical, and biological properties to create better-growing conditions for plants. Here's how to amend your soil:
Determine soil type: To know what type of amendments to add, you'll need to identify what type of soil you have. Most soil types fall into one of three categories: clay, sand, or loam. A soil test can help you determine the texture and nutrient levels of your soil.
Add organic matter: Organic matter is the most important amendment you can add to your soil. It improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient retention. Examples of organic matter include compost, well-rotted manure, peat moss, and leaves. Add 2 to 4 inches of organic matter to your soil and work it into a depth of 8 to 12 inches.
Adjust soil pH: If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can adjust its pH by adding lime (to make it more alkaline) or sulfur (to make it more acidic). The amount you need will depend on the results of your soil test.
Add fertilizers: If your soil lacks key nutrients, you can add fertilizers to provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow. The type of fertilizer you need will depend on the results of your soil test and the type of plants you're growing.
Improve soil structure: If your soil is heavy or compacted, you can improve its structure by adding sand or other soil amendments. You can also till or dig the soil to improve its structure and help air and water circulate.
Consider cover crops: Cover crops are plants that you grow specifically to improve the soil. They add organic matter and nutrients, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure.
For more detailed information about cover crops, check out our post Understanding the Foundations of Cover Cropping in Sustainable Gardening.
Wait to plant: After amending your soil, it's best to wait a few weeks before planting. This will give the soil time to settle and for the amendments to become incorporated into the soil.
Remember, soil amendment is an ongoing process, so it's important to continually monitor the health of your soil and make changes as needed. Always take caution when using lawn care products or soil amendments. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package for proper clothing, protective equipment, application procedures, and safety precautions.
Recommended Products for Soil Amendments:
Adjust pH:
(to make it more alkaline) JOBE'S ORGANICS GARDEN LIME
(to make it more acidic) JOBE'S ORGANIC SOIL ACIDIFIER
Nutrients:
(Nitrogen) RAW Nitrogen
(Phosphorus) Easy Peasy Triple Super Phosphate
(Potassium) Easy Peasy All- Natural Muriate of Potash
Organic Matter:
Cover Crops:
**In many regions of the Eastern United States, soil naturally tends to be acidic. The same can be said for Alaska, Hawaii, and certain parts of the Pacific Northwest. Soil that is too acidic can provide an ideal environment for weeds, diseases, and thatch. It can also diminish the effectiveness of fertilizers or herbicides. To combat soil acidity, garden lime or limestone is often used. Lime provides important elements like calcium and magnesium that are necessary for healthy plant growth. Adjusting soil acidity is a long-term process and it is best to apply garden lime during fall, although it can be added at any time of the year.
**In the Central and Southwestern United States, soil tends to be alkaline due to lower levels of rainfall. This type of soil can hinder a plant's ability to absorb important nutrients like iron. To address this issue, soil conditioners with sulfur are often used. Sphagnum peat moss is a more organic and naturally acidic option, although it may not be feasible for larger areas. Another solution is to regularly add organic compost, which has the effect of increasing soil acidity.
Happy Gardening!
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