Choosing the Right Soil Test Kit

Numerous basic soil test kits are available, some of which provide immediate results at home. For instance, certain kits offer instant feedback with a digital display. While these instant kits are useful, they typically only measure a limited number of soil components, focusing mainly on nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and pH levels.

These measurements can be likened to reading the nutritional information on food packaging; they give you a general sense of health but often lack depth. For my troubled patch of soil, I sought more comprehensive data. Thus, I turned to the My Soil test kit, a mail-in option that, while slower in providing results, offers far more detailed analysis.

The My Soil kit not only assesses N, P, and K levels but also evaluates a range of macro and micronutrients, including:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Boron
• Iron
• Sodium

Additionally, it provides tailored recommendations for soil improvements based on the results, which was particularly appealing for me as a novice gardener. I purchased the My Soil test kit via Amazon.

Utilizing the My Soil Test Kit

Upon receiving the My Soil test kit, I found it straightforward to use. The box contained instructions, a liquid sample container, a scoop, and a padded mailer.

To begin, I needed to collect soil samples from various spots in my garden, digging six-inch deep holes in 4 to 5 different locations. After extracting soil from each hole, I mixed them in a bucket to ensure a balanced representation of nutrient levels.

Once mixed, I opened the liquid container, which contained a preservative for the soil sample. After scooping soil into the container, I sealed it and placed it in the pre-stamped mailer, ready to send off.

While my sample was en route to the lab, I registered my kit on the My Soil website, allowing me to receive updates about its status throughout the testing process.

Running My Test

I took my soil sample from the side yard, and the entire process of collection and preparation took around 10 minutes. My soil was quite compact, making digging challenging, especially with the tangled roots present.

After mailing my sample, I received regular updates from My Soil regarding its progress. The testing took about five days, and the anticipation built as I awaited the results!

The Results

When my results were ready, I received an email from My Soil and logged into their website to view a detailed analysis of my soil sample. I was pleasantly surprised by the engaging and graphical nature of the report, which was far more informative than a standard printout.

The report featured a graphical representation of nutrient levels compared to optimal ranges, along with a breakdown of both macronutrients and micronutrients.

In examining the data, I discovered that my soil was quite acidic, with a pH of 5.54, while the ideal range is closer to 6 or 7. Although I could grow acid-loving plants, other plants would require amendments for better growth.

Additionally, my nitrogen levels were significantly low, measuring at 5.56 when the optimal range is between 32 and 60. Since nitrogen is essential for plant health, this was a critical finding for improving my soil.

Interestingly, levels of phosphorus, copper, sodium, and several micronutrients were within optimal ranges, suggesting that with some adjustments, my soil could be quite productive.

Improving Soil Quality

The My Soil test kit also offers tailored recommendations for enhancing your soil, suggesting products available both online and at local stores. My report indicated that applying calcitic lime could help raise the pH, along with suggestions for micronutrient applications.

Armed with this information, I plan to amend my garden soil accordingly. A valuable feature of My Soil is that once you create an account, you can submit further samples and track all your results in one place.

I’ve already started planting cover crops to boost nitrogen levels and will follow up with another kit to monitor progress. While I’m still learning, the combination of science and the My Soil test kit gives me hope for success in my gardening endeavors.

Resources

If you're interested in assessing the soil in your garden, I highly recommend the My Soil test kit, which is available on Amazon.

This article contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Discover how to use the easiest soil test kit for both novice and advanced gardeners, ensuring your plants receive the nutrients they need for healthy growth.

Watch a demonstration on garden soil testing using a rapid test kit, covering essential nutrients like pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.