Many Maine gardeners rely on experience to assess the condition of their soil. However, soil changes over the course of several seasons and may cause a lack of vital nutrients. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension recommends testing the soil in existing gardens every three years to assess nutrients and pH. New garden beds should be tested prior to planting.
Inexpensive home soil test kits give you an assessment of the amount of Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorus - all vital nutrients to plant growth – in your soil. It will also provide you with the pH level of the soil sample. For the experienced gardener who already knows how adjust the pH and nutrient levels, a home test kit may be sufficient.
However, having soil tested through the Maine Soil Testing Lab provides you with a more thorough assessment of your soil and includes detailed instructions for amending your soil with lime, fertilizer and organic material.
Soil tests should be done in either the fall or in the early spring before planting. Testing in the fall provides the added benefit of allowing corrective measures to begin to work before planting time – as soil amendments often take several months to reach optimal effects.
This service is offered through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. As of this publication, the cost for a standard soil test is $15. Please allow two to three weeks for soil test results.
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