Laboratory Soil Testing
Having your garden soil tested in a lab once a year is recommended so the appropriate fertilizers can be applied based on the results.
Do's
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Choose a soil test lab which does Albrecht and Reams or saturate base testing (see list below)
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Test in the spring or fall, the same time every year
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Dig down at least 6 inches and include soil from the surface down
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Combine at least three samples from different areas of your garden for a total of 2 cups of soil
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A helpful method is to dig a hole first and then use your shovel to take a vertical slice from the side of the hole
Don'ts
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Use a dirty collection container or use a container which previously contained fertilizers
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Use a dirty, rusty shovel
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Test during a drought or right after applying fertilizers
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Include organic matter or mulch
We recommend these labs which do Albrecht and Reams testing:
Crop Services International
IAS Labs