Master Gardeners – Test Your Soil – The Only Test You Don’t Have to Study For!

GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – Your kid is not the only thing you need to pack off to WVU! Master Gardeners say that now is the time to take your soil samples and pack them off at the West Virginia University Agricultural Extension Office for analysis.

Soil testing is the easiest and most reliable method of assessing a soil’s nutrient status. It provides a basis for recommending the correct amount of lime and fertilizer to apply in the fall for gardens, crops and pastures. Soil testing also allows an expert to predict the probability of obtaining a yield or growth response to lime and fertilizer application.

One of the most common questions that Master Gardener volunteers were asked at the fair is, “Why don’t my tomatoes grow as big as the picture on the seed pack?” Soil quality is the answer. The nutrients in the soil will have the last word on yield, how many and how big your vegetables will grow.

To adequately assess the nutrients that plant roots may encounter in soils, at least five to ten randomly selected soil borings should comprise the composite sample submitted to the laboratory.

Using an auger, shovel or spade and a clean plastic pail or container, take small uniform cores or thin slices from the soil surface to the recommended depth of two inches. Gently crush the soil and mix it thoroughly, discarding any roots or stones. Do not send wet soil. Air dry on a clean surface in a shady spot before mailing. Not only does wet soil cost more to mail, but your results also will be delayed because the laboratory must still air dry the sample. Do not heat the sample.

Send at least one cup (a handful) of soil to the laboratory in a plastic bag. Remember to include your name, address and other information on the sheets provided by the laboratory.

Soil test submission forms are available at your local WVU Extension office or you can download a copy directly from the WVU Extension website.

For further information and to sign up to be a Master Gardener, call Mary Dameron at the Greenbrier County Extension Office at 304-647-7408.

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