Soil Testing - The Most Accurate Method

Soil testing and getting an accurate soil test is an important part of gardening, but too few gardeners do it. There are many options for home garden soil tests, but the only way to get accurate readings of soil fertility and structure is with laboratory analysis. Gardener Scott demonstrates and explains the entire process to get accurate soil tests.

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See the video discussing the results of the test:

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[cathywilliamson]

Thank you for the great advice, again. I always learn something else I need to do. Your expertise is appreciated.

[menjobleeko]

I've added too much sand to the parents' old garden beds and I'm now trying to correct the mistake (too much drainage). Many people say add organic, but some say add clay. I've added small amounts of bentonite clay by water jug and it looks like I'm heading in the right direction.

[thepropagatingfalcon]

I start soil science class in August. Can't wait. Love your videos. You should write a book.

[ubuntunewb]

Gardener Scott,

Check out the Haney soil test, if you haven't already done so. The drying process is not necessary either since the lab will do this step anyways so it's safe to send wet samples.

[TheFlatlander]

Very informative video Scott. I went online and the University of Vermont (I reside in Vermont) had the form and detailed instructions on how to obtain the samples (same method as your vid states). They charge $15.00 plus $2.00 for every fruit or vegetable you intend to grow. I intend to try and grow 10 different fruits and veggies to start with and go from there. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

[jirinasatavova]

I know only from you how important the soil sample is. I'll have it done in the spring. in the autumn I fertilized the beds with stale manure, but there are other important values. so I wonder what tests will be. You are a perfect teacher. I am retired and I can finally pursue my hobby, the garden. I also found out in what climatic area I am and I was quite surprised because all around is zone 6 just strip where I am zone 5. I've always done everything according to the altitude and a lot of things did not go well. I'm sorry but I can't speak English very well, I help myself with translators, so maybe you understand. I learned a lot of information from your videos and thank you for that

[kspdt]

I have 4 raised beds that I need to test individually and would rather not pay for all them, then my garden area too. Are the ph/moister/light testers any good. Or the ph strips like rapitest? thanks.

[chefe]

Ok how about contaminants. I have urban property and like to test if my soil is or is not contained with heavy metals .Would be the same in this case?

[JamesBrown-hsvg]

Fungus and bacteria plays a roll in why plants uptake nutrients. What is the effect of round up on this process ?

[stephenluna]

The Basic Soil test $9 through my extension office Includes pH, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, and includes personalized recommendations)
Or there is the total elemental test that does the entire periodic table for $30 I'm leaning towards that one but I'm not sure if it's overkill for a garden bed. Which do you recommend?

[norykan]

Hi Gardner scott
When we craft a tree, there is a putting, or sealer for filing holes and some areas of trees?
What is that?

[nevermind]

Where is the video showing the results of the analyses? Please a d thank you!

[nCUonnection]

Home PH Testing. Cheaper, easy, repeatable in specific planting zones for your various on-site soil conditions. I wish you'd told me how.

[benhansford]

If you make your own soil do you need to ph test your soil? And how many samples do you need?

[BigRokko]

Does putting soil generally come at a neutral ph? If it's been outside in a pot with the rain, the rain would make it slightly acidic correct?

[patriciacarvalho]

Hello! Thank you for all the information you share in your channel! I’m always looking forward to your next video as I’m still new to gardening and have been learning so much from your channel! I’ve recently had my soil tested and one of their recommendations was applying superphosphate to my soil. I was wondering if you have had any experience with it, and if you could share it. Also, are there any replacements for superphosphate for organic gardening?

[orrfamily]

LOL if I'd waited I would have found out, Colorado

[priayief]

I've had soil tests done about twice in the last six years. One of the key pieces of information I wanted to know was the nitrogen content of my soil. Through my research I've discovered that testing for nitrogen can be a problematic process, even for the best laboratories. Phosphorous and potassium content, as well as other trace minerals can be determined fairly accurately ... as well as soil PH. I'm far from being an expert but perhaps someone else can comment on this.


Thanks for your many helpful videos.

[orrfamily]

what area of the county do you live in.?

[sjr]

How to gather soil and send it away to be analyzed,
Short concise videos are the best, we don't have a lifetime to watch one video