What does every gardener want? Bigger veggies, taller sunflowers and all-around healthier plants.
What’s the secret?
Easy, it’s in the soil. These tips from The Espoma Company will teach you how to test and amend your soil for healthier, bigger and better crops come spring!
All About Soil
Conduct a soil test, which measures how acidic or alkaline your soil might be, this fall. Too much of either means plants won’t be able to absorb the nutrients they need. Though most plants grow best when the soil pH is in near-neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0, there are outliers. Blueberries and potatoes, for example, love acidic soil, so a pH above 7.0 will not make them happy.
The guess work is gone with a soil test. You’ll know exactly what your soil needs. So, you’ll add the right amount of lime or sulfur, and you’ll select the best plant food, too.
Test & Amend Soil’s pH:
- With a stainless steel trowel, dig 6-8” deep if sampling garden soil, or 4” if testing your lawn’s soil.
- Choose an easy to use, at-home soil test, or call in the professionals and send your soil sample to the County Extension Office.
- Based on results, fix soil’s acidity and alkalinity in a way that’s good for the planet and your home. Go organic! Espoma soil amendments are 100% natural, safe to use around pets and children, and contain no fillers whatsoever.
- Apply Espoma Organic Garden Lime to raise the pH of very acidic soil. Poke holes in the soil’s surface and scatter on the lime. Rake lightly into the top inch of soil.
- Apply Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier to lower the pH of extremely alkaline soil.
- Apply compost to neutralize the pH of any soil.
- Wait until spring to test your soil for positive changes.
The Espoma Company has been the pioneer in natural gardening solutions since 1929. Espoma provides an extensive selection of natural products that work in harmony with nature and are safe for people, pets and the planet. The company produces more than 100 products to cover the nutritional needs of plants and to grow beautiful lawns and gardens. Visit espoma.com for more information and tips about organic gardening.