Soil Testing Part Deux

This is a follow up on my Jan. 8th post about wanting to check the chemical makeup of the soil in my garden. So I went online and searched for "soil testing kits" and found that there are a good number of companies out there offering kits, for prices varying from $4.95 to almost $20, to professional soil testing kits in the hundreds of dollars. Your local nursery and most likely your neighborhood hardware store will carry something that is usable and reasonably priced. Then I looked up how to do a soil test. Here's what a local store's website had to offer:
You need some supplies, such as:
- a clean bucket
- a garden trowel
- a clean container
- enough newspaper to spread out and let the soil samples dry out a little

Once the supplies are ready I'll:

1. Thoroughly clean the tools that I am using to collect the soil samples.
2. In the area that I'll be planting in, I'll dig five holes 6"-8" deep.
3. I'll take a 1/2" slice of soil along the side of a hole and place it in the bucket.
4. I'll repeat this process for all holes.
5. I'll collect samples from different areas that will be growing similar plants.
6. And I'll mix the soil in the bucket, then spread it on a newspaper to dry out. I'll need to collect a pint of soil for my sample

Helpful Hints:

• The best time to test soil is in the late fall or early spring. This gives you the time to make adjustments to the soil 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.

Once I know what condition my soil is in, I can monitor the nutrients - Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potash (K) - which are all needed for plant growth, color and bloom. Nitrogen is essential for leaf growth and green coloration. Phosphorus helps with plant growth, fruit and seed development, and disease resistance. Potash strengthens the plant from the roots up! And pH levels measure the alkalinity or acidity of the soil. Some of these kits come with a listing of plants and what soil requirements they need. Look for that info!

I can hardly wait for those fresh veggies and blooms!