SOIL TESTS RECOMMENDED TO START GARDENING SEASON
Monday, May 1st, 2006 -- 12:25 PM
So you have a "brown thumb" - it might be your soil's fault. UW-Extension Agent Nick Schneider says a soil test is a great way to start the gardening season.
"It's a good idea to get a soil sample every three to four years," Schneider recommends. "In Clark County, we have soils that tend to be a little low in PH and our soils tend to be a little low in potassium."
The Extension office has three soil probes that can be borrowed. The tests only cost around $15 and can provide a wealth of information.
"It will give a recommendation of how much lime you'll have to add, a measure of your organic matter, your phosphorous and potassium levels," Schneider explains, adding the test results also include a detailed recommendation of how much nutrients to add to your soil.
Soil quality can vary wildly depending on how the land has been used. Typically, southern parts of our listening area have more sandy soil, while northern areas have heavier, more clay-like soil, Schneider says.
For more information on soil testing, call the Extension office at 743-5121.
On the Web:
[url=http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/]UW-Extension Horticulture Site[/url]
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.