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Selecting and using a soil testing laboratory
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Gardening success is more than just putting the plants in the ground, watering and praying. For a truly productive garden, the soil must have the right balance of macronutrients, micronutrients and heavy metals as well as the correct pH.
If that sounds terribly scientific, don't worry. You won't need a degree in chemistry to make sure your soil is ready for spring. You'll just need to take a soil sample and then follow the recommendations provided by the soil testing laboratory.
Before selecting a soil testing service, here are some things to consider:
- What is the typical turnaround time for the soil testing results?
- Is the report available via download from the Internet?
- What is included in the basic test description? You should get the pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) analysis. Some labs also provide more detailed tests for micronutrients and heavy metals, including zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), boron (B), lead (Pb), nickel (No), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr). You should also use a lab that provides an organic matter test, although many labs charge extra for this.
- What is the cost of the test?
- Does the lab also provide recommended levels of soil amendments to correct any deficiencies?
Many state agricultural extension services offer soil testing or can provide a list of commercial testing laboratories. A full list of the state websites is located here.
Taking a soil sample
Follow the specific directions provided by the soil testing service you use. For your test results to be accurate, you must take a good sample. Separate samples should be taken for the different areas where you plan to garden. For example, you'll want separate samples for your front yard, back yard, vegetable garden and other garden areas. Do not mix the samples with each other. Expect to pay a separate fee for each sample provided to the laboratory.
To collect the sample, use a spade or trowel to take five to ten slices of the soil to the depth at which most of the plant roots will be located. So for turf, your sample should be taken within the top three or four inches of the soil. Most other vegetable or flower beds should be sampled to a depth of six to ten inches.
Mix thesamples of the area you are testing separately in a bucket and remove any grass, rocks or other debris.
Package the one to two cups of the dry soil (do not send wet soil) in a ziplock bag or in the bag provided by the testing laboratory. Make sure you include your order form, correct contact information and a check or money order for the testing fees. Don't forget to have the package weighed at the post office for correct postage to ensure timely delivery.
When to take the soil sample
If possible, take soil samples in the fall, since some soil amendments should be allowed to work in the soil for a few months before planting. If it's already planting time, better late than never. But remember that the soil should be tested every three to four years.
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You for reading! You can reach me at gardeningexaminer@gmail.com and can follow me on Twitter at @RobinRipley.
Did you also know I write about fresh foods? You can read my food columns at the D.C. Fresh Foods Examiner.
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