To test for acidity: In order to do a quick soil test, wet a small sample of soil and put in a pinch of baking soda. If it fizzes at all, it might be too acidic for most garden plants and vegetables. Ashes from wood can improve this type of soil.
To test for alkalinity: Put a few drops of cider vinegar to the soil. If it fizzes, it is alkaline. Use peat moss to reduce alkalinity.
Source: Reader's Digest 1001 Hints and Tips For Your Garden
By Robyn Fed from Hampton, TN
This page contains the following solutions.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How do I test my soil? Do I hire someone to do it or is it a DYI project?
By judy from Riverside, CA
In my state the University has a cooperative extention service that does soil testing. When I contacted them they sent me instructions and a box to put the soil sample in to mail back to them.
I was wondering, how do you test the soil in your garden?
Thank you.
Hardiness Zone: 5a
By Joyce from Janesville, WI
www.uwex.edu/
Click on: "Have a garden question?"
Here's another site with more telephone numbers:
www.wisconline.com/
Go to your local Extension Service Office. They have a kit that you can buy (reasonable) and they will tell you how to collect the soil in different areas. You then send the sample away where it will be checked and you will get a reply.When you talk to the extension office-they explain every thing to you.
I purchased a premium soil test kit by Ferry Morse. I followed the directions to the letter. I was testing for PH, I came up with a color that is not on the color chart. It came up an olive drab, army green. Any input would be appreciated.
The kit also comes with a filtering device for other tests. I didn't have any luck with it either. Couldn't come up with a color that came close to the chart.
Hardiness Zone: 5a
By Dan
Call your county extension office. They should be able to help you.
If you're starting a new garden or your plants and flowers just aren't growing well despite your best efforts, then having your soil tested probably makes sense. This page shows you how to test your own soil.
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
By testing your soil in your lawn every 3-4 years, you can keep on track if your lawn needs to have nitrogen added or not. Nitrogen is the key nutrient needed for a thick, green lawn.
