Have you ever planted a garden and been disappointed at the harvest? Do you have pasture land and fields that don’t produce enough grass to feed your animals? This problem is likely due to an improper pH level and nutrient deficiency in the soil.
Importance of Soil Testing
Our ancestors understood the soil on their property. They tilled the land, fed and nurtured the earth with compost from the farm, and planted and harvested for survival. We will always be grateful for the memories of gardening with our grandparents.
We believe it’s important to pass down what we have learned to our children. It’s so much more than just food to eat now. It doesn’t matter if our children choose to move to the city. We know that if we teach them these essential life skills, they will always have them as a resource if needed.
Today, we have modern technology to help us. Whether or not you are blessed to have elders who passed down their knowledge, combining old and new methods will help us sustainably grow and live off the land.
What Does Soil Testing Show
A test will check the collected sample’s soil pH level and analyze the nutrients. Some tests will have the option of entering what you intend to plant in the area you are testing and will make recommendations for those soil requirements.
Some plant growth requires acidic soil, while others need low-acid soils.
The Best Way to Test Soil
The most commonly known way to purchase a soil test is through your local county extension office or state university. It involves collecting samples, mailing them off, and waiting for the results. In our case, those results were lost and never returned. Of course, this isn’t normal, but it does happen.
After traveling to Utah to visit the Redmond Salt Company, we discovered a game changer in soil testing! They have a unique, one-of-a-kind kit that will give you results in seven days or less.
The Redmond Soil Testing Kit includes instructions for registering your specific kit with a code on their website. All soil test results will be immediately accessible online as soon as the lab tests your soil sample. If you want to order a Redmond Soil Testing Kit, use our code .
Are Soil Tests Worth It
Healthy soil produces healthy plants. You can compare soil to your body. If it’s taken care of, it stays healthy and thrives. If you abuse the earth, it will be depleted and unhealthy. Just like our bodies, feeding the soil an improper and unbalanced diet makes it sick.
Soil testing is essential because it shows where your specific property is rich and where it is lacking. It takes the guesswork out of adding amendments. The results from a test should include what to feed your soil to bring it back to a healthy nutrient balance.
Our favorite aspect of the Redmond Soil Kit is the links included in the soil analysis for purchasing what you need, along with the proper application rates for fertilizers and organic matter. Too much of a good thing can be harmful, so these amounts are very helpful!
Ideal Time for Testing
The best time to test your soil is before planting. Allowing enough time to get results and add amendments is preferred. However, if you’re short on time, you can add the amendments later and work around your plants.
Keep the test results from the spring and compare them to test results in the fall to see if the amendments improved your nutrient levels.
Supplies Needed
The Redmond soil test kit includes the following items:
- Registration Card – Don’t lose this! The registration card is how you register your soil sample. Here’s where modern technology meets soil testing! The card includes a QR card and sampling instructions for registering.
- Return Envelope – After you collect the sample, put it in the pre-paid return envelope to mail to the lab.
- Scoop – The kit includes a soil scoop with instructions for where and how much soil to collect.
- Storage Jar – This jar contains water and a nutrient-absorbing capsule.
Items not included but needed are:
- Shovel – You’ll need a shovel, soil probe, or trowel to dig up the soil.
- Bucket – A clean plastic bucket works well.
- Knife – A smaller tool like a knife works well to separate the correct amount of soil into the bucket.
Soil Testing Step-by-Step
- Register the kit and follow the instructions on the registration card.
- Use the scoop or a clean gardening tool to collect soil to a depth of 6 inches. Pro-Tip: Collecting soil samples from five to seven locations within the testing area will give you a broad testing scope.
- Combine the collected soil in the test kit box, large plastic bag, or bucket. Mix thoroughly and break up any large chunks. Note: If you use a kit purchased elsewhere, and no water jar is included, they may require you to air dry the soil before sending it to the lab. Simply spread the soil on a paper towel for several hours.
- Use the provided soil scoop to collect one level scoop of mixed soil. Add it to the jar containing DI water and nutrient adsorbing capsule. Do not spill the water! Secure the lid tightly.
- Mail the sample to the testing laboratory within one day of collecting the soil.
- You will be emailed updates on the progress throughout the testing period and will receive the final results when the testing is complete.
- Follow the recommendations for amending your soil, and watch your soil improve!
A soil test isn’t necessary for growing a good garden, but it certainly can help. Especially if you’ve struggled to grow specific crops in your garden. Happy gardening!
