Knowing your soil is very important to many factors of gardening. Most plants often have specific soil preferences. Soil tests today not only tell you the pH of your soil, but also tell you what nutrients are present or absent. Taking a good soil sample for analysis is important, and how you collect the sample is vital to an accurate report.

The optimum time to test your soil is late fall or very early spring so that you have time to remedy what your soil may be lacking. The soil should be moist, not soggy. Remove any surface debris, such as rocks or branches. With a clean shovel cut a V shaped wedge into the ground [1], approximately 6" deep. Cut a half-inch thick slice from the hole you just dug, then cut a one-inch wide vertical core from the center of that slice [2]. Repeat this process at several different sites in your garden or yard. Using a clean plastic or paper container, mix the cores together with a clean tool, not your hands. Most county extension offices offer sample kits, many with sterile mailing containers included.

When you receive your analysis, you should be able to interpret the results and make the necessary corrections in both pH and nutrients. A beautiful and fruitful garden is one that has healthy soil. Try this simple test to be sure you are getting the most from your garden.