Let's do a SOIL TEST...it's easier than you think!

LET'S DO A SOIL TEST!! In order to find out if your soil has all the 17 essential nutrients that a plant needs to grow, you need to do a SOIL TEST. Most commercially available home test kits only measure for the macronutrients, nitrogen phosphorus and potassium and also pH.
I have been postponing doing a soil test, mainly because I thought it was something complex. But, now I am in a gardening class, and they showed us just how simple it was. And I wish I had done it earlier. After all, soil is the most important thing to get right for your plants to thrive.
The soil testing kits are easily available online and not terribly expensive.
If you have amended your soil over the years, then you might need to do different soil tests with different spamples of soil taken in different parts of your garden.
Did you know that there are 17 nutrients that are essential for a plants growth? And that if even one of them is absent, your plant won't grow well. I have always been obsessing about nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and admittedly those are needed in larger quantities. But the micronutrients are as essential, just in small amounts. And most bagged soils do not contain the range of nutrients the plant needs. Just something to be aware of, as you fill your raised beds with bagged soil. An easy fix is to mix in some of your naturally occurring topsoil, to bring in those micronutrients.
Have I convinced you to do a soil test? Let me know in the comments!
#greenlove
#livegreenandloveyourgreens

[@GreenLove1]

What nutrients is your soil deficient in? Have you done a soil test? Do you plan to? Leave a comment!

[@artistlovepeace]

Next spring I will. The only seeds that did well were hybrids here in MN. I'll try again this spring. I love your channel because it helps me learn how to grow. You are a positive light. Thank you for producing and sharing.

[@GreenLove1]

@@artistlovepeace much appreciate the encouragement! Thank you! While I love open-pollinated plants because I can save seeds, I definitely grow hybrids as well, particularly the ones that are developing to be less susceptible to diseases common in my area.

[@terrellhillard3018]

I haven't done one in a long time. Thanks for the reminder Tara.

[@GreenLove1]

@@terrellhillard3018 I had never done it. I now have raised beds where I have been amending soil for many years. I will need to do several soil tests in different parts of my garden!!

[@gardentours]

It's good to know what's in your soil 👍🏼

[@GreenLove1]

Yes, I can't believe I took this long to do a soil test. Was eye opening!

[@johnjude2685]

Thanks Makes good sense to know where to go you should know where you are at same for soils . Believe no tilt isn't always right for my clay base soil. I'm going check it Question????? In fall or wait till spring is my question ?

[@GreenLove1]

Anytime! It is not likely to change dramatically over the winter. Also depending on whether you have been amending, different parts of your garden may have different readings. So you might have to do it in a few different places.