Home Gardening

Soil Sampling
Garden Tips Newsletter - March 12, 2001

Before getting out and starting that spring flower bed it might be time to get a soil test. Getting your soil tested is the best way for you to know what your soil lacks and what is needed to amend your soil so that you will have a beautiful spring and summer flower bed.

The first step in taking a soil sample is to identify the areas of your yard that you wish to work in -- you will need to take a sample from each area.

The next step is to obtain soil test boxes, available from you local MSU-ES office. Once you have the boxes, fill each with soil from the identified areas. Mark the box with your name and a location identifier e.g. front lawn, back yard East Side, anything that will help you remember where the sample came from.

Take your soil samples to your local MSU-ES office and fill out the soil test form. Each sample costs $6 to process. Most sample analyses should be returned to you in 10 working days. During the spring it might take a little longer.

The soil sample analysis will tell you the pH of your soil and if your soil is low or high in phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and soluble salts. These analyses will help you to know how to amend your soil so that your plants will thrive. For more information on taking soil samples contact your local county agent.

These archived newsletters were written by Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly. Kelly is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.