Don't Guess, Take a Soil Test

To view a copy of the guidelines that can be printed, click here.

"Liming without a soil test is like building a home without a blueprint."

Fertilizer and lime are most effective when used in proper amounts. Soil tests provide a scientific basis for correct usage. If you fail to follow the recommendations, you cannot expect to get top yields and returns.

Only through periodic soil tests and good management can you get the biggest return on your investment in fertilizer and lime.

Summer and fall are the best times for having a soil test, although, testing the soil in the spring before the garden is spaded and planted is an accepted procedure.

Conditions vary from location to location and from year to year, but as a general rule, test your garden and lawn soil about every two to three years.

HOW TO TAKE A SOIL SAMPLE

Follow these simple steps to insure a proper representative soil sample or samples:

REMEMBER "The soil test results are only as good as the soil sample submitted."

1. Identify where you want to take the samples from.
2. Select the proper sampling tools. A clean garden spade, trowel or large spoon will be sufficient.
3. Don't sample unusual areas. Avoid back furrows and dead furrows, windbreaks, drainage ditches, snow fence or old fence lines, old manure piles, wet spots, areas near a stone pile or large tree. (Samples from these specific areas should be submitted separately.)
4. When necessary, divide lawn or garden area into separate, sample areas, especially when it's a large area of 1/2 - 1 acre, or more, in size. Also take separate samples when the area has specific differences in it, such as a steep slope, bottomland, low area, a dip, or so on.
5. Take soil from at least 10 to 15 spots in each area. Scrape away surface litter. Take a small amount of soil from a depth of 3 to 6 inches (the depth to which the garden will be spaded, roto-tilled or plowed, or root zone of existing plant materials.)
6. Mix these several soil samples together thoroughly in a clean pail or container.
7. Spread soil on cookie sheet or paper plate to air dry for a few days. Be sure to remove all stones, plant material and large chunks of soil.
8. After soil is dried, place about 2 cups of this dried soil into a clean container such as a butter tub or coffee can.
9. Label sample clearly with name and address and for what is growing or will be planted: vegetables, lawn, fruits, etc.; where the sample was taken: i. e., back lawn, north end of garden, low part of garden, etc. Samples can be labeled by location, number, or letter, but be sure to keep your own records as to where these samples were taken from.
10. Deliver to the Cooperative Extension Office, Route 66, Hudson, and fill out the information sheet for each sample. If dropped off when the office is closed, leave in drop-off box by front door. Be sure containers are well labeled with your name, mailing address and phone number, and place appropriate fee in envelope.

Within a week or two you will receive the test results which will explain what the results are and what, if any, lime should be applied to improve or maintain the tested areas.

General fertilization and lime recommendations are included with the soil pH results. To help defray the cost of providing this service, there is a charge of $1.00 for one sample and 50¢ for each additional sample for the same address.

For more detailed results, as to other nutrient levels and soluble salts in your soil, a sample can be sent to the Cornell Soils Lab for a complete analysis. Cost is $15 per sample. Call us at (518) 828-3346 for more information