Good soil is one of the essentials of a good lawn or garden. Doing a soil test is a simple and inexpensive way to improve your landscape.
Importance of a Soil Test
For optimal plant growth, soil must also have the proper pH level. pH is measured on a scale of 1 to 14. A measurement of 7.0 is neutral. A number below 7 is acidic (sour) and above 7 is alkaline (sweet). Soil pH signifies a plant's ability to draw nutrients from the soil.
A soil test will enable you to adjust your soil's pH level and determine whether it's neutral, alkaline or acidic. Most plants prefer nearly neutral soil with a pH between 6.2 and 7.2. To achieve this goal, acidic soil may require the application of lime. Alkaline soil may require some sulfur.
Testing your soil allows you to:
1. Select the right plants for your garden. A pH test, for example, determines how much acid / alkaline is in your soil. You can then pick plants that will survive and thrive in your soil conditions.
2. Remedy your soil problems. Determine what key elements are missing from your soil.
3. Monitor nutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are needed for plant growth, color and blooming.
Soil test kits are available at Lowe's Garden Centers. These home soil-testing kits will give you an immediate analysis of your soil's pH.
Your local Cooperative Extension office will also test your soil sample for pH and nutrient levels (some states charge a small fee). The soil analysis usually takes a few weeks to get back to you. The analysis includes detailed results and suggested amendments specific to your region.
How to Test your Soil
You'll need a clean bucket, a garden trowel and a clean plastic (not metal) container.
Steps:
1. Thoroughly clean the tools you are using to collect the soil sample.
2. In the planting area, dig five holes 6 to 8 inches deep.
3. Take a ½-inch slice along the side of a hole and place it in the bucket. Repeat this process for all holes.
4. Collect samples from different areas that will be growing similar plants.
5. Mix the soil in the bucket. Spread the soil on a newspaper to dry out. Collect a pint for your sample.
TIPS: The best time to test your soil is in the late fall or early spring. This gives you the time to make adjustments before you plant your garden, since soil corrections may take a few months to become effective.
Wet soil can give a false test reading. Be sure to take the sample when the soil is fairly dry. You may want to check your soil more than once to verify your results.
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.