Very informative video Scott. I went online and the University of Vermont (I reside in Vermont) had the form and detailed instructions on how to obtain the samples (same method as your vid states). They charge $15.00 plus $2.00 for every fruit or vegetable you intend to grow. I intend to try and grow 10 different fruits and veggies to start with and go from there. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
I've added too much sand to the parents' old garden beds and I'm now trying to correct the mistake (too much drainage). Many people say add organic, but some say add clay. I've added small amounts of bentonite clay by water jug and it looks like I'm heading in the right direction.
Gardener Scott, Check out the Haney soil test, if you haven't already done so. The drying process is not necessary either since the lab will do this step anyways so it's safe to send wet samples.
I know only from you how important the soil sample is. I'll have it done in the spring. in the autumn I fertilized the beds with stale manure, but there are other important values. so I wonder what tests will be. You are a perfect teacher. I am retired and I can finally pursue my hobby, the garden. I also found out in what climatic area I am and I was quite surprised because all around is zone 6 just strip where I am zone 5. I've always done everything according to the altitude and a lot of things did not go well. I'm sorry but I can't speak English very well, I help myself with translators, so maybe you understand. I learned a lot of information from your videos and thank you for that
I have 4 raised beds that I need to test individually and would rather not pay for all them, then my garden area too. Are the ph/moister/light testers any good. Or the ph strips like rapitest? thanks.
@@kspdt I don't have specific recommendations. I've tried the inexpensive 3 in 1 testers and pH strips. I find them best for general determination of whether soil is acidic or alkaline and not determining a specific pH.
The Basic Soil test $9 through my extension office Includes pH, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, and includes personalized recommendations) Or there is the total elemental test that does the entire periodic table for $30 I'm leaning towards that one but I'm not sure if it's overkill for a garden bed. Which do you recommend?
For a baseline test I suggest getting as much info as you can. I opted for a basic test when I first started and it left many of my questions unanswered later on as I was improving my soil.
@@TheSamba37 my cousin works for a lawn and tree company that offers soil testing maybe there's one in your area that does testing for less than your extension.
@@stephenluna7932 they all send them to the same two labs here. Cheapest simple test (NPK and pH) I can get is$30. If I ship it elsewhere I can get a much more extensive test for $32+shipping with a longer wait time.
Good idea. I'll have a video on how to interpret the test results in a few weeks. Early next year I'll release a video on home testing like you suggest.
Hello! Thank you for all the information you share in your channel! I’m always looking forward to your next video as I’m still new to gardening and have been learning so much from your channel! I’ve recently had my soil tested and one of their recommendations was applying superphosphate to my soil. I was wondering if you have had any experience with it, and if you could share it. Also, are there any replacements for superphosphate for organic gardening?
I don't use superphosphate much, occasionally when planting flower bulbs. I prefer organic alternatives like composted cow manure and worm castings to supply soil phosphorus. Bone meal is an option too.
I've had soil tests done about twice in the last six years. One of the key pieces of information I wanted to know was the nitrogen content of my soil. Through my research I've discovered that testing for nitrogen can be a problematic process, even for the best laboratories. Phosphorous and potassium content, as well as other trace minerals can be determined fairly accurately ... as well as soil PH. I'm far from being an expert but perhaps someone else can comment on this. Thanks for your many helpful videos.
TH-cam soil testing rabbit hole probably looks something like this: 1. Top ranked result - "How to do it simply an easily for cheap" (either bootleg methods or some janky old almanac stuff) 2. Some person using cheap inaccurate gear can buy on Amazon 3. Accurate but send it to someone else ( **you are here** ) 4. How to do laboratory soil analysis
You can see the results of the soil test here: th-cam.com/video/t2Z4hSLh3MQ/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the great advice, again. I always learn something else I need to do. Your expertise is appreciated.
Thanks for the lesson
I start soil science class in August. Can't wait. Love your videos. You should write a book.
Thank you very much. Soil is the key to a successful garden. Enjoy your class.
Very informative video Scott. I went online and the University of Vermont (I reside in Vermont) had the form and detailed instructions on how to obtain the samples (same method as your vid states). They charge $15.00 plus $2.00 for every fruit or vegetable you intend to grow. I intend to try and grow 10 different fruits and veggies to start with and go from there. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
Thanks, William. Good for you to get a test done.
I've added too much sand to the parents' old garden beds and I'm now trying to correct the mistake (too much drainage). Many people say add organic, but some say add clay. I've added small amounts of bentonite clay by water jug and it looks like I'm heading in the right direction.
Gardener Scott,
Check out the Haney soil test, if you haven't already done so. The drying process is not necessary either since the lab will do this step anyways so it's safe to send wet samples.
I'll do that. Thanks.
I know only from you how important the soil sample is. I'll have it done in the spring. in the autumn I fertilized the beds with stale manure, but there are other important values. so I wonder what tests will be. You are a perfect teacher. I am retired and I can finally pursue my hobby, the garden. I also found out in what climatic area I am and I was quite surprised because all around is zone 6 just strip where I am zone 5. I've always done everything according to the altitude and a lot of things did not go well. I'm sorry but I can't speak English very well, I help myself with translators, so maybe you understand. I learned a lot of information from your videos and thank you for that
Thank you. Your English translation is good. Enjoy gardening.
Amazing
I have 4 raised beds that I need to test individually and would rather not pay for all them, then my garden area too. Are the ph/moister/light testers any good. Or the ph strips like rapitest? thanks.
They aren't as accurate as a professional lab test, but they can give you a basic idea of your soil.
@@GardenerScott Thanks. If you have any recommendations that would be great.
@@kspdt I don't have specific recommendations. I've tried the inexpensive 3 in 1 testers and pH strips. I find them best for general determination of whether soil is acidic or alkaline and not determining a specific pH.
@@GardenerScott OK. Thanks for your response. I find your videos very helpful!
Ok how about contaminants. I have urban property and like to test if my soil is or is not contained with heavy metals .Would be the same in this case?
Many labs offer the option of testing for specific components like heavy metals
The Basic Soil test $9 through my extension office Includes pH, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, and includes personalized recommendations)
Or there is the total elemental test that does the entire periodic table for $30 I'm leaning towards that one but I'm not sure if it's overkill for a garden bed. Which do you recommend?
For a baseline test I suggest getting as much info as you can. I opted for a basic test when I first started and it left many of my questions unanswered later on as I was improving my soil.
Wow, I wish my extension office offered testing that cheap!
@@TheSamba37 my cousin works for a lawn and tree company that offers soil testing maybe there's one in your area that does testing for less than your extension.
@@stephenluna7932 they all send them to the same two labs here. Cheapest simple test (NPK and pH) I can get is$30. If I ship it elsewhere I can get a much more extensive test for $32+shipping with a longer wait time.
Fungus and bacteria plays a roll in why plants uptake nutrients. What is the effect of round up on this process ?
Hi Gardner scott
When we craft a tree, there is a putting, or sealer for filing holes and some areas of trees?
What is that?
It isn't recommend to use putty or sealer on tree cuts. It can promote harmful bacteria and fungi growth.
Where is the video showing the results of the analyses? Please a d thank you!
Here it is: th-cam.com/video/t2Z4hSLh3MQ/w-d-xo.html
If you make your own soil do you need to ph test your soil? And how many samples do you need?
Testing your own soil mix is a good idea and taking 5-6 samples should get a random sampling.
Does putting soil generally come at a neutral ph? If it's been outside in a pot with the rain, the rain would make it slightly acidic correct?
It depends on the ingredients. Potting soil with a lot of peat tends to be acidic. Rain has little effect on pH even though rain water is acidic.
Home PH Testing. Cheaper, easy, repeatable in specific planting zones for your various on-site soil conditions. I wish you'd told me how.
Good idea. I'll have a video on how to interpret the test results in a few weeks. Early next year I'll release a video on home testing like you suggest.
Where are the results ? Link?
They are coming in another video, soon.
Hello! Thank you for all the information you share in your channel! I’m always looking forward to your next video as I’m still new to gardening and have been learning so much from your channel! I’ve recently had my soil tested and one of their recommendations was applying superphosphate to my soil. I was wondering if you have had any experience with it, and if you could share it. Also, are there any replacements for superphosphate for organic gardening?
I don't use superphosphate much, occasionally when planting flower bulbs. I prefer organic alternatives like composted cow manure and worm castings to supply soil phosphorus. Bone meal is an option too.
Thank you so much for the information! I too prefer organic alternatives and will be trying worms castings and/or composted cow manure.
LOL if I'd waited I would have found out , Colorado
Of course, you sing!
I've had soil tests done about twice in the last six years. One of the key pieces of information I wanted to know was the nitrogen content of my soil. Through my research I've discovered that testing for nitrogen can be a problematic process, even for the best laboratories. Phosphorous and potassium content, as well as other trace minerals can be determined fairly accurately ... as well as soil PH. I'm far from being an expert but perhaps someone else can comment on this.
Thanks for your many helpful videos.
You're welcome.
what area of the county do you live in.?
I live in Falcon, outside of Colorado Springs.
How to gather soil and send it away to be analyzed,
Short concise videos are the best, we don't have a lifetime to watch one video
TH-cam soil testing rabbit hole probably looks something like this:
1. Top ranked result - "How to do it simply an easily for cheap" (either bootleg methods or some janky old almanac stuff)
2. Some person using cheap inaccurate gear can buy on Amazon
3. Accurate but send it to someone else ( **you are here** )
4. How to do laboratory soil analysis
30) Big like❤👍👍👍👍👍❤️
Very nice n superb imformative n great video my dear new family member, join you with bell button, all the best👍💯 💞🌿🙏
Thank you very much.
🌿🌸8, 858🌸🌿👍👍Done👍🌸🌿🙏
I NEVER test my soil. Never have, never will. Toss all my scraps in and keep planting. Testing soil is over rated and a waste of time.