Nadia Knows Gardens

Time for Soil Testing

12 Oct 2009 4 Comments

by nadiaqh in Garden Projects, Vegetable/ Herb Garden Tags: acidic soil, alkaline soil, healthy soil, pH soil testing, soil test kit

Soil Test Kit

Soil Test Results

Have you ever tested the soil in your garden? Honestly, this was my first time! I felt like a scientist, mixing water and soil and adding the little capsules of powder to each vile. For under $8.00 a Soil Test Kit will show you what the levels for pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are in your garden soil.

Why does this matter? Well, vegetables such as:  lettuce, root crops, and peas grow best in soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8. To produce the most abundant and healthy crop it’s best to match the plant need with the same pH levels in your soil. If your soil has a high alkaline reading, then you can amend the soil with organic alternatives such as iron sulfate. If your soil is very acidic (0-3) reading, then adding dolomitic limestone 3 weeks before planting will help. A reading of  (7) is neutral. Directions and more in depth information are on the  soil testing package…try it!

Thank you for visiting my blog: www.nadiaknows.com

” I know I want to keep creating, growing and having fun.”