Properly taken soil tests can help gardeners understand the nutrient levels in the garden, and which nutrients need to be amended for the plant material and garden crops that have been or will be planted in the future.
Once gardeners receive this information, they can make informed decisions on how much nutrients need to be applied for the growing season, depending on the plants in the landscape or the garden.
Here are some simple tips that help gardeners take soil test samples and learn how to receive assistance on recommendations for individual garden and landscape situations.
First, find a clean plastic bucket to collect the soil that will be used for the sample that will be tested. Metal buckets may alter the true results of the soil test on accident.
Second, select the area that needs to be tested. This can be a specific area of a garden, a flower bed, section of the lawn or an area around tree and shrub plantings.
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Third, find a clean spade with all foreign matter removed from the blade to collect samples. Soil testing probes can also be checked out from the local University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Office as well.
Fourth, collect soil samples that are eight to 12 inches deep and 1½ inches wide, using the spade or soil testing probe from 12 random places in the area that is going to be tested, and place in the clean bucket.
Fifth, thoroughly mix all the soil samples together as much as possible. Fill a resealable sandwich bag or a soil testing bag with the thoroughly mixed soil.
Sixth, label the bag with your name, address and indicate whether the soil came from a garden, lawn, flower bed, tree planting area or other location.
Seventh, contact your local University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Office to discuss which soil tests are appropriate for the individual gardening or landscaping situation. The staff will be able to show which soil testing labs are available to handle and calculate the soil test results.
As soon as the soil tests return, schedule time with a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educator to review the test results and receive recommendations for the growing needs of the garden or landscape.
If you have any questions about garden and landscape soil testing, contact David Lott, Extension horticulture educator, at dlott2@unl.edu, by calling 308-532-2683 or by contacting your local University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Office.