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TEST YOUR SOIL:
Many people garden successfully without ever testing their soil, but they are probably fortunate in gardening on ground that is not deficient in nutrients, is neither too acid nor too alkaline, and receives plenty of nutrients anyway as part of normal cultivation. If things don't seem to be growing well, a soil test is the best starting point for putting things right, and good growers test their soil routinely ounce a year.

Professional soil testing is the most accurate for nutrients, but you can get a reasonable idea of the major nutrients in your soil with simple indicator kits. Bear in mind that kits vary from one manufacturer to another, so always follow the manufacturers instructions.

WHAT IS PH?
(Potential Hydrogen)

The term ph is a scientific way of stating how acid or alkaline something is. Soils vary in their degree of acidity or alkalinity. The scale runs from 0 (most acid) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 as neutral. Soils never reach these extremes, and for horticultural purposes, 6.5 can be considered neutral in that it is the ph at which most plants grow happily. Acid-loving plants, such as rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, peonies need a lower ph and may develop chlorosis- a yellowing of leaves-if grown on alkaline soil. Alkaline loving plants like lilacs prefer a ph of 7 or above.

The differences may sound small, but on the ph scale- 1 point represents a ten-fold increase in acidity or alkalinity.

TESTING THE PH:
Take vertical 6" slices of your soil with a spade, mattock or similar tool. A hollow metal pipe works well. Just drive the pipe into the ground about 6" - remove and tap soil out. Do this procedure about 12 to 20 times around your yard or garden. Mix all samples together-then let the soil dry. If sample is for extension service, put soil in box, then fill out information. Send or carry it to the Extension Service. They will test your soil and send back recommendations to you. You can also receive the results by e-mail. Test results will come back anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the time of year.

For Soil testing form and box call Gardening Partners at 615-441-5274