Get Your Soil Right this Year

Mark your calendar in the next few weeks to take soil samples from your garden beds as well as any problem areas in your lawn. It takes no more than 20-30 minutes, depending upon the size of your yard. You can use these samples to figure out your soil's pH level and nutrient levels. Then you will be able to make the necessary adjustments to have a better lawn, more beautiful flowers and bigger vegetables.

Here's what you can do:

• Purchase a soil sample kit at your local nursery or get one from your county agricultural extension office. The kit will come with directions on how to take the soil samples. Be sure to take samples (mark them and keep them separated) from different areas of your lawn and gardens. If you have a "problem area", you'll definitely want to send the sample in for testing. Send the samples in as directed. Expect results back within a week or two.
• Test results will show you several things, including your soil's pH level (how acid or alkaline your soil is). Ideally, you will want a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If it varies slightly in either direction, it is not necessarily a problem. Most grasses can grow in pH levels from 5.0 to 8.0. Soil pH is a more important factor when it comes to other plants. While most plants grow well in a neutral soil, others require a more acid or alkaline soil. This is generally indicated on the tag when you purchase a plant. For example, rhododendrons, azaleas and blueberry bushes need a more acid soil, while slightly alkaline soils are preferred by lilacs and clematis.
• Look for nutrient levels in your soil test results. You may wonder why nitrogen, the most important nutrient for supporting plant growth, isn't listed in your soil test results. The fact is, the nitrogen content of your soil changes so rapidly that it's not helpful to report what the number may have been on the day you took the samples. However, you will see results for phosphorous, potassium and others nutrients. Most test results will also advise you on tips to improve your soil.
• Look for the type of soil you have. Some soil tests will tell you what type of soil you have, although you probably already have a good idea. Changing soil to create a more loamy soil texture is something that takes several growing seasons. To change the texture, add compost and work it into the soil several inches deep. Do this over several seasons and you will make a difference.
• Be aware of possible soil layering issues. If you live in a newly built home or have recently created a new lawn, you may have soil layering issues. This occurs when the top soil is scraped away for construction, and then a thin layer of soil is put back before planting the new lawn. The finer soil layer on top of the coarser textured soil can prevent roots from taking hold. Also, water and nutrients are prevented from penetrating the soil structure. Aerate your lawn this spring to open the layers up to let in water and nutrients, while at the same time helping to blend the layers. To learn more, view our how-to video on aeration.