Soil test kit (lawn, grow, vegetables, yard)

[lewdog_5]

Need a soil test kit for my Blueberry bush I potted last month. Recommendations on product to test soil and how often to check soil? Our water is very alkaline here.

Any recommendations on how to keep the soil acidic? I potted with 50/50 potting soil and peat moss. Added some soil acidifier granules. Mulched with Pine shavings and Pine Bark 4 inches deep.

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by lewdog_5

Need a soil test kit for my Blueberry bush I potted last month. Recommendations on product to test soil and how often to check soil? Our water is very alkaline here.

Any recommendations on how to keep the soil acidic? I potted with 50/50 potting soil and peat moss. Added some soil acidifier granules. Mulched with Pine shavings and Pine Bark 4 inches deep.

Not sure how much you want to spend on testing the soil.


First thing I'll recommend is bringing a few samples into your local nursery, they may be able to do it for you.


Second thing I'll recommend is just going to the box store or hardware store and buying the inexpensive test kits.


Thirdly is recommending this. I been meaning to get it but its too expensive for my blood.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...A2V54623UJXEW9


I learned about it while watching one of my favorite YouTube gardeners..



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShC2pvDzv2E

[fisheye]

Cooperative Extension services in some states offer relatively cheap soil test kits: Don't Guess... Soil Test — Home Lawn and Garden — Penn State Extension. $9.00 here in PA.

[David A Stone]

I never could understand why anyone would want to turn part of their garden into junk, acidic soil just so they can have blueberries.

Blueberries grow naturally in soils so acidic and poor that many other things won't grow.

[lewdog_5]

Originally Posted by David A Stone

I never could understand why anyone would want to turn part of their garden into junk, acidic soil just so they can have blueberries.

Blueberries grow naturally in soils so acidic and poor that many other things won't grow.

Part of their garden?

You mean like having a few pots of blueberries in one part of the yard and a separate raised garden bed for vegetables?

[lewdog_5]

Originally Posted by Cambium

Not sure how much you want to spend on testing the soil.


First thing I'll recommend is bringing a few samples into your local nursery, they may be able to do it for you.


Second thing I'll recommend is just going to the box store or hardware store and buying the inexpensive test kits.


Thirdly is recommending this. I been meaning to get it but its too expensive for my blood.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...A2V54623UJXEW9


I learned about it while watching one of my favorite YouTube gardeners..



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShC2pvDzv2E

Thanks for the info. I'm really not looking to spend a lot or have a hassle doing this. Just want something simple to give me a rough estimate of soil acidity so I can track when it ticks higher and add some acid.

Any inexpensive tests you can recommend that I'll probably just order on Amazon?

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by lewdog_5

Thanks for the info. I'm really not looking to spend a lot or have a hassle doing this. Just want something simple to give me a rough estimate of soil acidity so I can track when it ticks higher and add some acid.

Any inexpensive tests you can recommend that I'll probably just order on Amazon?

This one should do the trick. Only $10. It does rust easy and the plastic breaks if left outside. So doesn't last long.


This one as well. Only $7 but involves you grabbing sample, mixing, and waiting a little. Also only a one time use.


Both will give you an idea of your soils PH.




Don't forget to go to a local nursery and ask if they do it.