Soil Test

You worked like a dog in your garden last year. You picked the right plants; you put them in the right place. You fed them, you watered them, and still they didn't look very good. So what's the problem? The answer might be in your soil.

Healthy soil is the key to a successful garden, and just because it looks good doesn't necessarily mean it is. It's always a good idea to have your soil tested; many types of kits are available on the market or you can stop by your local county extension service and pick one up.

On the back of the kit are instructions. Basically, you grab a small sample of soil from five different locations in your garden. Then mix the samples together and fill up the bag. Seal it up and send it away for a test. And what you'll get in return is a soil test report card.

The test measures the soil fertility and shows you what nutrients are missing. It also measures the soil's pH on a scale from six to ten. Anything between six and seven is considered ideal. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime. The test will also tell you what other amendments you need to add to make your soil better.

Also in this Episode

Rebecca's Garden : Episode REB-625
•	Wheat Grass
•	Pamper Basket
•	Worm Compost
•	Flower Decoupage
•	Soil Test