What can you do in the garden in the middle of winter? Now is the perfect time to take soil samples.
To do this you can either purchase a soil test kit from you local garden center or you can contact your local extension agent. The store bought kits run about $15 and will give you a good idea of what your soil needs but it is not as accurate as your extension agency. To find your local agent look in the government pages of your phone book or go to the USDA website . Your local agent will provide you with a Soil Sample Information Sheet and a Soil Sample Box free of charge but expect to pay for the analysis. Around here I pay $8.50.
They will test your soil for the following major nutrients P (phosphorus); K (potassium); Mg (Magnesium); Ca (Calcium); and five micronutrients. The test will also determine your soil pH and make recommendations on how to raise or lower pH.
When testing is complete, they will mail you their findings. On the report they explain everything even technical terms and provide extra details on fertilizer application schedules and rates. If you have any questions about the report contact your Extension Agent, they are always glad to help.
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