Soil Testing: What is it?
Soil testing is collecting a sample of the soil where you plan to garden and testing it for nitrogen content, phosphorus, potash, and it’s ph level. Then based on the results, you amend (or change) it so you maximize the health of your plants. Good soil means a good garden; bad soil means a bad garden. Simple. We are planting a flower garden for our new honey bees, so I decided to use a Rapitest Soil Test Kit. There are also many different options on Amazon.
Soil Testing: How to do it?
Soil testing is very simple. First you collect the soil from where you want to place your garden. I suggest you collect a tablespoon from 5 different spots in your garden and go about 6 inches deep. Then you mix in all together. After mixing those scoops together, follow the directions on the Rapitest package. You take some of the soil, mix it with water, then put it into one of their colored containers. After it’s in the container, you add powder from a capsule. The capsule color should match the container color. Then you close the container, shake it up, and watch what color the solution becomes. The color will reveal what type of amendments you need to make for your garden’s soil. Possible amendment options are explained in the test’s package.
Soil Testing: Why do it?
It’s good to test your soil to make sure that it has all the nutrients it needs to feed your garden. Without healthy nutrition, the plants will suffer and possibly die. If my flowers die, then the honey bees would have less resources, which would inevitably influence the health of my hives. The circle of life goes on and on, right? Less flowers, less bees, less honey. And this all begins where the roots grow-the soil.
Soil Testing Results Coming Soon
This week I plan on getting my soil sample finished. I’m hoping the ground is soft enough to get my sample 6 inches deep. I’m curious to know what amendments I’ll have to make in my soil. I’ll keep you posted.
