Start with the soil

 

 

START WITH THE SOIL

 

 

Whether your goal is a plush green lawn or a large harvest of vegetables, soil fertility testing is the place to start.  It helps by determining a soil’s pH and need for lime and fertilizer.

 

WHY DOES SOIL pH MATTER?

Soil pH is a scale to measure how acidic or alkaline the soil is. Soil pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic and a pH above is alkaline.

Plants, vegetables and grass grow better, are healthier and produce more within their own pH range.  The proper pH permits plants  to absorb minerals from the soil. Evergreens require an acidic pH around 4.5 while tomatoes need a pH of  7.0.

By knowing the plant nutrition needs of your lawn and gardens, you can prevent the over-application of fertilizers.

 

Separate soil samples will need to be taken from areas used to grow different types of plants.  For example, separate soil test kits should be used for lawn areas and vegetable garden areas. 

 

Samples from rhododendron, azalea, and other broadleaf evergreen areas should be kept separate from other shrub areas. Also sample separately areas that have previously received different lime or fertilizer treatments and areas that are noticeably different in plant or soil quality.

Soil test sampling kits are available in most states from you local county Cooperative Extensive Service, listed in the yellow pages.

Here in NJ the soil testing kits sold for a fee of $20 from most of Rutgers Cooperative Extension offices at the Garden Helpline offices.

In New Jersey, the Rutgers Soils Laboratory uses state-of-the-art instruments and methods of soil  analysis.  They suggest soil testing be repeated every 2–3years.

The best time to take a soil sample is before spring fertilization or after harvest in the fall or. Do not sample shortly after a lime, fertilizer, or manure application

or when the soil is excessively wet. For lawns, late summer sampling will prepare you for fall fertilization.

 In Union County the office is at 300 North Ave East,  Westfield, NJ, on the 2nd floor. You can also purchase soil test kits by mail.
For more information contact the Union County Garden Helpline
at 908-654-9852.

Happy Gardening, James
 

 

Information from Rutgers Fact Sheet # 797  Soil Testing.
For a  comprehensive list of Rutgers Cooperative Extension publications visit www.rce.rutgers.edu