Never guess, soil test!

Most backyard gardeners are just itching to get their hands in
their garden soil for the first time of the new season. We all
need to make sure that first time is to take a soil sample for
testing. A soil test is crucial for the successful growth of all
plants, whether it's your grass, flowers, veggies, trees or
shrubs. Your soil should be tested before putting in a new garden
and every three years after that.

Your mother made you eat a balanced diet, so to with your plants.
A good soil test will tell you what your soil is lacking for the
particular plants you want to grow.  If you're putting in a new
lawn, you'll want plenty of nitrogen, for a vegetable or flower
garden, go sparingly on the nitrogen and use plenty of
phosphorous.

A good soil test will have easy to follow recommendations for the
needed amendments.  One of the most commonly used measurements of
your soil's condition is the measurement of its pH.  The pH
measures acidity in the soil. A pH of one is extremely acid or
'sour' while a pH of 14 is extremely alkaline or 'sweet.'  A
measurement of seven is neutral.  Most vegetables like a more
neutral range while many shrubs prefer more acid. To sweeten your
soil, or raise its pH, add lime. To lower the pH you can use
aluminum sulfate. There are other products, ask at a good garden
center. Many better garden centers will help you interpret your
soil test. Or ask your local county extension agent for help. You
must have the proper pH for the proper plants so they can utilize
the nutrients in your soil.

In addition to pH, a soil test will tell you how much organic
matter is present in your soil. This is very important for new
beds and lawns. It's best to make sure the bed starts out fertile
to ensure future success and health of your plants.

An often-overlooked area of soil fertility is the measurement of
micronutrients like iron, copper and zinc. These metals are
needed in only small amounts, but they are critical for the
healthiest plants possible. Too heavy a concentration of
micronutrients can interfere with the plant's ability to absorb
water and nutrition from the soil.

Call your local Extension Office for a testing location and
directions on how to take a good soil test. Many offices provide
testing bags. There is usually a charge from the testing site of
$10 to $25.

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Cheryl is a Master Gardener who volunteers with the Lake County
(Ohio) Extension office of Ohio State University. She won a
Cleveland Press Club award last year for her feature and column
writing.