Test Your Soil
A lot of folks recommend getting a soil test done before you start your garden, and then testing again regularly every 2-3 years after. Your local cooperative extension agency is an obvious choice for this task, and that is what I did our first autumn here. I was a bit disappointed in the process though, and I think in the future I’ll just do my own testing.
A lot of folks recommend getting a soil test done before you start your garden, and then testing again regularly every 2-3 years after. Your local cooperative extension agency is an obvious choice for this task, and that is what I did our first autumn here. I was a bit disappointed in the process though, and I think in the future I’ll just do my own testing.
I asked for a full test (one that would tell me pH, soil
type, and micronutrient content in addition to N-P-K) but only got back my
Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus levels with some rather generic flyers on
how to correct the poor levels I had. The flyers could have been advertisements
for synthetic fertilizers.
They did include my soil type, but it was so incredibly
wrong I wondered if maybe the mixed up my tests – they stated I have loamy
soil, when any toddler can play in my yard and tell me I have a bunch of
hard-packed clay. It just didn’t feel worth the money I spent on it.
I’ve seen the test kits available at Lowe’s and other garden
stores, and they provide a greater array of results for a better price than my
cooperative extension office. I also now know how to check my soil type
using just a shovel, a mason jar, and some water. I’ll write up a post for that
process if you are interested. I also have a cheap but effective soil meter to
measure moisture and pH.
To make the “test your soil” story short – I’d recommend
asking local folks who have made use of their extension office for this service
before buying it yourself. Every office is a bit different. Otherwise, it seems
more cost effective and educational to do it yourself. Honestly, I’m looking
forward to Taylor being a little older so he can do the soil testing with me
each year – what a great chance to learn together!
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