Analyze This

Analyzing the soil you're working with is the first thing a serious gardener should do. It's the quickest and most accurate way to determine soil pH and the level of essential plant nutrients in your soil. This can help you decide on which plants will grow best in the soil, how to prepare your soil for planting and what the soil's fertilizer needs are. It will help you create the best growing conditions for plants that are healthier and more productive.

The easiest, relatively inexpensive and most accurate way to have your soil analyzed is to submit it to a soil-testing laboratory in your area. Store-bought test kits are often cheap, but they are not as reliable and accurate as a lab test.

In order for laboratory tests to be on target, you must provide a quality soil sample.