The soil test results can also explain why some plants are not doing so well

Tag : agricultural hardware
Testing the soil will provide you with a better guide to selecting the right plants. Most plants have specific soilpreferences. Some, such as Azaleas, prefer slightly acidic soil,while other, such as Geraniums, prefers less acidity. A pH test,which measures soil acidity, can save you money by helping you determine which plants will do best in your garden.

The test results provide information for changes to remedy soilproblems. They can also explain why some plants are not doing sowell.

Soil testing can assist you in monitoring nutrients. Nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium are essential to a plant's growth, colorand blooming. A lack of any one can affect the health of your plants.

The best time to test your soil is in late autumn or early spring.This will give you time to make adjustments before you plant yourgarden, since some soil corrections need a few months to takeeffect.

There are weather conditions under which you should not test your soil. After asevere storm, the ground may be waterlogged and soil tests arelikely to give incorrect results. The soil structure can also bedamaged if soil is handled when waterlogged. Wait until the soil isfairly dry or lightly moist before digging and taking your sample.

Most garden centers and hardware stores carry a wide selection of home testing kits. Some test for just one thing, such as pH, whileothers test for nutrients and pH. The kits are relatively inexpensive and accurate.

Kits vary in their ease of use. Some require several steps, whileothers involve simply pouring water and mixing soil. The keys tosuccess are collecting good soil samples and following directions.Make sure you test your soil more than once to double check yourresults.

Local agricultural or horticultural colleges can usually test yoursoil's pH and nutrient levels for a small fee. Most will provide asterile container for you sample, and a form to fill out about yourgarden, where you live, and the plants you wish to grow.