NOW IS THE TIME
WHAT IS A SOIL TEST?
Simply put, a soil test is a soil management tool used to assess your soil’s fertility. In a soil test, elements such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and others are chemically extracted from the soil and then measured for their plant availability. The right balance of these elements, along with the proper pH level, is vital to the health of the plant and your success to being a great gardener.
Soil test kits are readily available at the county extension service as well as most local libraries. For you convenience, we have soil test kits available to you to pick up right here at The Great Big Greenhouse. You just need to follow the instructions on the soil test kit and send it off to Virginia Tech. You will have the test results back in just a few weeks. Now that it is late July, I urge you to do the soil test now. This way you can use the month of August to work on any recommended corrections to your soil before September and the fall planting season.
This soil test kit will cost you $10. Collect 15-20 core samples using a clean trowel to a depth of around 4 inches for lawns or 6 to 8 inches for gardens. Mix the cores in a clean bucket and fill the box provided for the soil test kit. And, mail it off, with the $10.00 to Virginia Tech. Once you get your results, we welcome you to come see us. We will be happy to review the results with you. And, we will help make recommendations as to what you will need to amend your soil.
HERE ARE SOME PLANTING AND SOIL BASICS
Amending soil for bedding plants
The ideal pH for bedding plants is between 5.5 and 6.5. Add a bag of Meadows Farms Planting Mix or Composted Cow Manure to your soil. If fertilizer is recommended, then we recommend using one of our Espoma Organic products such as Plant Tone or Garden Tone.
Amending soil for vegetable gardening
Vegetables are best grown in areas with loose, rich, well-draining soil and in at least 8 hours of sun. Most vegetables grow well in a soil pH of 6.2 to 6.8. Organic matter and compost should be replenished yearly to keep soil rich and fertile.
Amending soil for shrubs and trees
Most shrubs and trees desire a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. When planting, amend the soil by mixing organic matter with the original soil. A combination of Meadows Farms Planting Mix, Composted Cow Manure, and add some Espoma Bio-Tone Starter.
I urge you all to do your soil testing now while it is summer. The soil test results and following the suggested amendments will help you be a successful gardener in the future. Come see us if you have any questions or if you want a free Virginia Tech soil test kit.
Let’s plant a little happiness !!!!!!!!!!!!