Extension

The main key to success in gardening boils down to one thing – healthy soil. Gardeners whose soil may have been lacking a bit can use this gardening downtime to help bolster the soil.

 

Healthy soil is full of the nutrients needed to make plants grow, and it has the ability to hold water but also drain well. How is a gardener to know what the soil needs? A soil test is the answer. A soil test provides valuable insights into the health and composition of the soil. This aspect of gardening is important because different plants have different needs.

 

Knowing the nutrient content of soil is important because nutrients are vital for plant growth. A soil test can determine the level of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. Understanding the soil’s nutrient profile helps gardeners make good decisions when it comes to fertilization.

 

It’s also important to know the soil’s pH level because it affects nutrient availability. Plants do well in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, which is 6.0 to 7.0 generally. Depending on the soil test results, gardeners can raise or lower the acidity by incorporating lime or sulfur. 

 

A soil test can also help gardeners from over-fertilizing. Without a test, gardeners can easily over-fertilize plants. This not only harms the plants but also the environment. When extra nutrients are in the soil it can lead to plant toxicity and reduced growth. It is also harmful to the environment because the excess can leach into groundwater. Plus, gardeners will save money by not wasting fertilizer.

 

In addition to nutrient levels, a soil test can help identify other soil health issues, including compaction, poor drainage and salinity. Gardeners can address these issues with soil aeration or adding organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and health. 

 

Soil testing also promotes more sustainable gardening by reducing chemical inputs and using resources more efficiently and minimizing environmental impact.

 

Oklahoma State University Extension offers soil testing. Contact the county OSU Extension county office to learn more. Gardeners can learn about collecting soil samples in the OSU Extension fact sheet L-249 Soil Testing, The Right First Step Toward Proper Care of Your Lawn and Garden.

 

Healthy soil can reduce plants’ susceptibility to disease. It’s like the strong foundation of a building. Healthy soil helps gardeners create an environment that supports healthy plant growth, conserves resources and fosters sustainability.