A Guide On How to Test Soil for Gardening (3 DIY Methods) Grow Healthier Plants

If you’re reading this article, you’re a New Gardener, am I right? Well, if you want to start a new garden then what are the steps to start a new garden? You need to plan so that you can organize everything.

What steps to take before starting a new garden? What is the first step, location, and 6-8 hours of sunlight a day at your selected location or soil test?

Which one first?

Without healthy soil, a successful garden is challenging. First, you should do a soil test, because suppose you set up a place for a new garden after 6-8 hours of sunlight, but if the soil in that place is not good, You can’t do gardening then. It would be wrong to say you can’t, you can but your vegetables or fruits won’t grow as well as they would if you planted them in well-tested soil.

Now you may think, “What is the best soil for gardening? The best soil for gardening is loamy soil.

I didn’t know much about my garden when I started gardening. But in this journey of about 7-8 years, I made many mistakes and learned.

But now so that you do not make the same mistakes that I did.

Hi everyone! Hasan here, your friendly neighborhood home garden hobbyist. I’ve been growing my veggies and flowers for about 7 or 8 years now. In this article, we will talk about A Guide On How to Test Soil for Gardening (3 DIY Soil Tests).

Want to be a successful gardener? How do you start an organic garden for beginners? Before starting a new garden at home you have to know about these 12 steps…

1. Choose the best month 

2. Plan about your garden

3. Where to Put Your Garden

4. Rectify your soil

5. Sunlight

6. Essential tools you need

7. Prepare garden bed or grow bags

8. Select some seeds

9. Plant your seeds

10. Water your garden at the right time

11. Mulch your garden

12. Take care of your garden regularly

Why Test Your Garden Soil?

When you’re a new gardener then you should know that soil is one of the most important parts of your gardening.

Why Test Your Garden Soil? Because when you do a soil test before starting the garden, you will know if the crop will grow well in this soil. 

Reason 1: You don’t have to rely on fertilizing your soil too much. If you start with healthy soil, you won’t need as much “fixing“.

Reason 2: If the soil of the place you have selected does not have enough nutrients or PH (level of acidity) is not at the right level, then the soil will not be able to provide nutrients to your seedlings, due to which your plants will not grow well. 

If your soil has a high pH value, then the nutrients such as phosphorus and iron will be very low. And if the level of PH is very low then it can be toxic to plants.

5 Key Soil Test Measurements for Productive Soils:

1. Soil pH rules
2. Phosphorus
3. Potassium (K)
4. Organic matter
5. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and Base Saturation

15 Types of Soil for Gardening

Best gardening soil in the USA? The ideal mixture for plant growth is called a loamy and has roughly 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay.

1. Loamy soil
2. Clay soil
3. Sandy soil
4. Silt soil
5. Chalky soil
6. Peat soil
7. Loam soil 
8. Peaty soil
9. Compost
10. Chalk soil
11. Topsoil soil
12. Silty soil
13. Acidic soil
14. Dirt soil
15. Potting soil

How Often Should You Do a Soil Test?

You can take soil samples at any time of the year. Experts recommend testing the pH and nutrient status of your soil every 3 to 5 years.  That way, you can get your results and make any corrections in time for spring.

Where to Get a Soil Test

Where do you go to get an accurate soil test? Here, we’ll explore the best options to unlock the mysteries hidden beneath the surface:

Free Soil Testing:

Local County Extension Office: The hidden gem! Many county extension offices, connected to the land-grant universities across the US, offer free or low-cost soil testing services Cooperative Extension Services: Your Local Gardening Experts.

They are a fantastic resource for gardeners, providing expert advice tailored to your local conditions.

Low-Cost Soil Testing

Universities: Many universities have soil testing labs that offer services at a minimal cost Universities of the United States. This can be a great option, especially if your county extension doesn’t offer testing.

At-Home Test Kits (Use with Caution)

While readily available at gardening stores, home test kits may not provide the detailed information a professional analysis offers.

However, they can be a starting point to gauge basic soil health. Remember, for a truly accurate picture, consider the options above.

Additional Resources

For a deeper dive into US agriculture and farming practices, explore these resources:

Agriculture in the United States

Agriculture in the United States by State or Territory

American farmers by state

Want to connect with local growers and find fresh produce? Check out farmers’ markets near you: 31 Farmers’ markets in the United States.

Interested in sustainable practices? Learn more about organic farming in the US: Organic farming in the United States.

By getting a professional soil test, you’ll gain valuable insights into your soil’s nutrient levels and pH.

This empowers you to make informed decisions about amending your soil and choosing the right plants for a thriving garden.

How To Take a Soil

The task of collecting soil samples for soil testing is quite important. Soil collection must be done accurately so that the sample sent to the laboratory is representative of the specific farmland.

Materials required for soil test:

(1) Trowel

(2) spade

(3) Polythene packet

(4) Plastic buckets

(5) Paper

(6) Wooden pencil/pen

(7) Ropes etc.

Step 1

To collect soil samples, the location of the land must first be observed. A sample representative of the entire plot should be collected. In this way, he identified ten places neutrally.

Step 2

The grass forest in the marked areas should be cleared first with a spade.

Step 3

After this, a hole should be made with a spade six inches (15 cm) deep in the shape of the English letter “V“.

Step 4

Two wheels of soil are taken from both sides of the hole with a stick or spade and filled in a plastic bucket.

Step 5

In this way, the soil samples collected from ten (10) locations should be thoroughly mixed by hand and powdered.

Step 6

The collected soil is cleaned of plant roots etc. placed on clean paper and dried in the shade.

Step 7

After drying the soils are placed on paper and divided into four (4) parts. Mix the remaining two parts well divide them into four (4) parts and keep the remaining two parts.

Step 8

After dividing into two parts in this way, when the amount of soil collected is equal to half a kg (500 gm), fill the mixed sample in a polythene bag.

Step 9

Write a nameplate with a wooden pencil/pen on the paper outside the sample packet.

In this nameplate, the name of the place where the soil was collected, the name of the farmer, the date of soil collection, the name of the crop previously improved, details of fertilizer application, irrigation facility, etc. should be given.

Reading Soil Test Results

Remember that soil test you took? It’s time to unlock the hidden messages within those numbers and abbreviations.

Don’t worry, the results might seem complex at first, but they hold the key to a flourishing garden.

Just like we learned how to take a soil test, let’s now decipher what the results are telling us.

The key players you’ll find are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). 

These are the essential elements your fertilizer recommendations will focus on.

Nitrogen

This element fuels leafy growth in plants. Your test results will indicate the recommended amount of nitrogen to add, often translated into manure or compost quantities.

Fresh manure should be applied in the fall for winter breakdown, ensuring safety for spring planting.

Alternatively, consider dried meals like blood meal, offering a quicker nitrogen release but lacking the organic matter benefits of manure.

Phosphorus

Represented by the letter P, phosphorus is crucial for germination, strong roots, flowers, and fruit.

It aids in mineral uptake, promotes strong stems, and enhances disease resistance.

Rock phosphate provides a slow-release source of phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals, requiring application only every few years.

Bone meal offers a faster-acting phosphorus option.

Potassium

Represented by K, potassium regulates water flow within plant cells and is vital for flowering, fruiting, and disease resistance. Potassium deficiency can manifest as weak stems and stunted growth.

Granite dust or greensand, rich in potassium and iron, can be used to address potassium needs. Wood ash is another option, boasting high potash content.

By understanding these key elements and their role in plant health, you can interpret your soil test results and make informed decisions about amending your soil for a thriving garden.

3 DIY Soil Tests

Want a thriving garden? Knowing your soil is key. Here are 3 simple tests you can do at home to discover its secrets:

1. The Peanut Butter Jar Test: Uncovering Your Soil’s Texture

Think of perfect soil like a yummy trail mix. It should have a blend of sand, silt, and clay, ideally 20% clay, 40% silt, and 40% sand. This test takes about an hour to set up and a day to complete.

What you’ll need:

• Empty jar (like a peanut butter jar) with a lid
• Ruler
• Soil sample from 6 inches deep

Steps:

1. Fill your jar ⅓ to ½ full with soil.
2. Top the jar with water and let the soil soak.
3. Put the lid on and shake vigorously for 3 minutes.
4. Set the jar down. After 1 minute, measure the sediment at the bottom (this is the sand).
5. Wait 4 more minutes and measure again. The difference is the silt.
6. Take a final measurement after 24 hours. The difference from the last measurement is the clay.

Understanding the Results:

1. Nice, loamy soil: This is the golden ratio – 20% clay, 40% silt, and 40% sand. It drains well and is perfect for most plants.
2. Sandy soil: Drains very well, but dries out quickly. Amend with compost or aged manure for better water retention.
3. Silty soil: Holds moisture well, but can be hard to drain. Add coarse sand or compost for better drainage.
4. Clay soil: Drains poorly and can be clumpy. Add coarse sand and compost to improve drainage.

2. The Pantry Soil pH Test: Figuring Out Your Soil’s Sweetness or Sourness

Just like some plants like lemonade (acidic soil), others prefer things a bit sweeter (alkaline soil). This test helps you figure out your soil’s preference.

What you’ll need:

1. 2 bowls
2. Soil sample
3. Vinegar
4. Baking soda
5. Distilled water (optional)

Steps:

1. In one bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soil with ½ cup vinegar. If it fizzes, your soil is alkaline.
2. In another bowl, moisten 2 tablespoons of soil (use distilled water if your tap water is hard). Add ½ cup baking soda. If it fizzes, your soil is acidic.
3. No fizz in either bowl? Your soil is neutral (perfect).

Understanding the Results:

1. Neutral soil (pH 7): This is ideal for most plants.
2. Acidic soil (pH below 7): Some plants love this, but others struggle. You can add lime to make it less acidic.
3. Alkaline soil (pH above 7): Some plants thrive here, but others may not get the nutrients they need. You can add sulfur to make it less alkaline.

3. The Earthworm Test: Checking Your Soil’s Health

These little guys are nature’s soil superheroes. The more earthworms you have, the healthier your soil is likely to be.

What you’ll need:

1. Shovel
2. Cardboard

Steps:

1. In the spring, when the soil is moist and warm (around 50°F), dig up about 1 cubic foot of soil.
2. Place the soil on a piece of cardboard and break it apart gently.
3. Count the earthworms.

Understanding the Results

1. 10 or more earthworms: Congratulations, Your soil is healthy and teeming with life.
2. Less than 10 earthworms: Your soil could use some love. Add compost, aged manure, or leaf mold to attract these helpful creatures and improve your soil’s health.

These simple tests will give you valuable insights into your soil, helping you create a thriving garden that flourishes. 

Soil Test Kit

Here’s How to Choose the Right Kit for You.

Every gardener wants a thriving lawn and bountiful harvests. But healthy plants start with healthy soil, and knowing your soil’s nutrient levels is key.

There are many soil test kits available, but with so many options, how do you choose the right one?

This blog post will explore two popular choices.

MySoil Mail-In Test Kit – This kit offers professional lab analysis with detailed results and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

Luster Leaf 1602 Soil Test Kit – This affordable option provides at-home results for the four key nutrients: pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash.

Let’s Break it Down

MySoil is ideal for gardeners who want the most accurate and comprehensive analysis. It provides a lab report with 13 nutrient levels, including vital elements like nitrogen, and offers personalized recommendations on how to amend your soil for optimal plant growth.

This kit takes the guesswork out of soil testing, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Luster Leaf offers a cost-effective option for those who want a quick snapshot of their soil’s basic health.

While it doesn’t offer a detailed analysis of MySoil, it’s a good starting point for understanding your soil’s pH and core nutrients.

However, some users report difficulties with color readings and accuracy.

The Final Decision

For the most accurate and detailed results, MySoil is the clear winner.

However, if you’re on a budget and just want a basic understanding of your soil’s needs, Luster Leaf could be a suitable option.

Ultimately, the best soil test kit for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Consider your budget, gardening experience, and desired level of detail when making your choice.

Conclusion: How to Test Soil for Gardening

Congratulations… You’re Ready to Grow a Thriving Garden

By reading this article, you’ve taken a giant leap towards becoming a successful gardener.

You now understand the importance of soil testing and how it sets the foundation for a flourishing garden.

Here’s a quick recap of what you’ve learned:

Soil Testing: It’s like a health check for your soil, revealing its nutrient levels and pH. This information helps you choose the right plants and amend your soil for optimal growth.

DIY Soil Tests: For a basic understanding, you can try the 3 simple tests we explored: the Peanut Butter Jar Test for texture, the Pantry Soil pH Test for acidity/alkalinity, and the Earthworm Test for overall health.

Professional Soil Testing Kits: For a more detailed analysis, consider using a mail-in kit like MySoil. It provides a comprehensive lab report with personalized recommendations for your specific soil needs.

Remember: The best soil test kit depends on your budget and gardening goals.

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you can confidently choose your favorite plants, prepare your soil for optimal growth, and watch your garden flourish!

Happy Gardening…

By – Hasan

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