Soil Test Before You Plant

When cooking some people can just start throwing things together and end up with a delicious meal, never once having to follow a recipe. I’ve been told that I tend to be this way. But I’ve found when it comes to gardening things aren’t quite that simple. Sometimes I have great success in the garden, sometimes not so much. One thing I haven’t done in the past and probably should have, is to have the soil in the garden tested before I begin to plant. As most Master Gardeners will tell you a soil test can be extremely beneficial for your plants. Your local extension agent should be able to help connect you with a soil testing facility. You’ll then find out whether your garden soil needs phosphorus or potassium. Plus, you can ask for micronutrients, because the pH levels of the soil are very important when it comes to a garden’s success. The testing agency will be able to make recommendations for your garden that will save you a lot of guess work over the long growing season. So before you set out to plant your garden, have the soil tested. If you don’t, you may just be passing up the chance to have the healthiest and most productive garden on the block.