Test your garden soil to determine what nutrients your plants need to thrive.
Different soils will have different nutrient and pH profiles. Some plants grow best when certain nutrients are plentiful. Some soils may have been depleted of nutrients after their crops were harvested. For anyone who wants a successful growing season for their garden, testing soil for its nutrient profile prior to planting is essential. When you test your garden soil, you determine the soil’s pH which has a dramatic effect on nutrient availability. Soil pH that is either too high or too low will make nutrients unavailable for plant uptake. You can therefore avoid either applying too much or too little fertilizer. No matter the size of your garden, testing the soil can provide beneficial information. Read on to learn what a soil test can provide and how that test can help you improve your garden’s health.
Receive a Complete Soil Assessment
One of the most important reasons to test your garden soil is to understand the nutrient levels in your soil. A soil test allows you to determine precisely what nutrients your soil lacks and how you can fix any deficiencies.
Check the Soil pH
Your soil test will provide you with the soil’s pH. When the pH level rises or drops, specific actions should be taken. Some plants thrive in alkaline soil while others grow best in acidic soil. It is best to know what soil you are dealing with before planting.
Assess Soil Health
You can’t determine your soil’s health visually. After you send your soil sample to a reputable soil testing lab, your soil sample will be tested and reviewed to determine its fertility, pH and health. This information then provides you with information on which nutrients are deficient and which crops may thrive in the soil.
You can test your garden soil any time of year, but it should not be done right after the soil has been amended. You should also test your soil before you start planting. To test the soil, you can collect a sample and send it to a reputable soil testing lab; once there, a qualified agronomist will test the soil and determine an appropriate nutrient plan.
Save Time and Money on Gardening
When you test your garden soil, you save yourself future time and money. When you know your soil’s nutrient profile, you can amend the soil with the right product at the proper intervals. You also avoid spending money on products not suitable for your soil.
Control Pests, Diseases, and Invasive Species
Nutrient imbalances in the soil can put your garden plants under stress which often can lead to insect infestations and diseases. Getting a nutrient profile is a way to help control problems in your garden without using pesticides or herbicides.
Track and Improve Soil Progress
Regular soil testing is a great way to improve your garden’s yield. By testing your soil regularly, you can tell whether your soil’s pH level and nutrient profile are improving.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!