BOLTON – There’s no need to guess what a garden needs for optimal results. Take a soil test this spring to create the right conditions for the garden from the start.
A simple soil test will help prevent problems later in the season. By following the recommendations in results, plants get a strong start, leading to better growth, bigger blooms and a more rewarding harvest.
A soil test provides a complete picture of what’s going on beneath the surface in a garden. It will provide information on the pH of the soil, how much organic matter is present and the levels of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other macronutrients and micronutrients.
Nitrogen is not included in soil tests because its availability in the soil fluctuates due to biological activity and weather conditions. With the test result information, informed decisions can be made about what to add to garden soil before planting.
The University of Vermont (UVM) Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab conducts soil testing for home gardeners and commercial farmers. Visit its website at go.uvm.edu/soiltest for the submission form and additional information. The cost for a basic nutrient soil test is $17 per sample.
To begin collecting a soil sample, have a clean trowel or small shovel, a clean bucket and a plastic bag. The bag needs to be able to hold one-half to one cup of soil. It is important that all materials are clean to avoid contamination.
Choose the area to sample. If garden beds have different purposes, collect a sample to test for each space. For example, sample beds for annual flowers and garden vegetables separately as they have different nutritional needs.
In the chosen area, identify about 10 different spots to collect soil. These should be distributed throughout the space. Dig a small hole about 6 to 8 inches deep (The root zone for most plants). Then, take a slice of soil along the side of the hole. Put this sample in the bucket.
Repeat this process at each location. The more locations samples are taken from, the better the results will represent the average conditions of the garden.
Thoroughly mix the samples in the bucket. Then scoop one-half to one cup of soil and place it in the plastic bag. Label the bags, especially if multiple samples are being submitted. The soil sample is now ready to send to the lab for testing.
Include the completed soil test submission form and mail the sample to the UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab for analysis. Results will be sent in two to three weeks by email or mail.
The results will include information on the current state of the garden soil and offer recommendations for amendments to maximize the soil quality for gardening, as well as including resources to help interpret the results of the soil test.
The UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline also can help make sense of garden and lawn soil test results. Complete the form on the website, go.uvm.edu/gardenhelpline, upload a copy of the soil test results and an Extension Master Gardener will be in touch.
Starting a garden with a soil test can save time, money and frustration. It’s a small step that can make a big difference and it’s worth doing every few years.
Andrea Knepper is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from Bolton.
Andrea Knepper
Andrea Knepper is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from Bolton.
