Basic Soil Testing

Refer to our article: How to Test & Amend Your Garden Soil

This example of a basic soil test will provide you with an estimation of your NPK (N=Nitrogen, P=Phosphorous, and K=Potassium) and soil ph levels. You can often find these soil test kits in garden centers and online, or go to your local county extension office for more accurate test results. This will help you make the best choice of fertilizers to improve the soil.

On the package of fertilizer, you’ll see these three values separated by dashes (N-P-K). The numbers of each nutrient indicate the percentage of net weight contained in the fertilizer. For example, a 10-pound bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer contains one pound of each element. The rest is filler, which gives it mass and makes it easier to spread. I also recommend testing again a week after fertilizing to better understand the quantities needed.

In addition to fertilizers, there are also good probiotic mycorrhizae formulas to improve soil health. Your local hydroponic store or online garden supply will be your best source of options for formulas you can buy. There are granulated and liquid options. Apply in the early spring to prepare the soil for all the new summer crops. Applying weekly in the height of summer will also help your soil thrive throughout the growing season.

As another option, worms and worm castings, good compost, manures, whey, and anything fermented like fish emulsion and compost teas will also help renew soil life. I like to use several options as we keep our domes in full food production year-round.

Testing soil with a simple touch test weekly is the easiest way to know how much to water during the ever-changing winter conditions. But a basic soil test will give you additional information on what nutrients to add to maintain a healthy, thriving year-round greenhouses garden!