A great lawn or garden starts with good soil. A soil test is the best way to learn what kind of soil you have, and what you can do to improve it to get the results you want. Soil tests are an easy way to determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, two elements that are essential for a healthy lawn and garden. They’re also inexpensive, easy to use and available at most hardware stores.
In this simple project, which is best done in early spring or late fall, we’ll walk you through how to test your soil so you can have the lawn or garden you’ve always dreamed of. Here’s what you’ll need to take on this task:
TOOLS & MATERIALS
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- Trowel
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Rag
- Test Kit
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear.
STEP ONE
Prepare the materials. It’s important for your tools to be clean in order to properly test your soil. Clean your trowel and bucket with a mild soap, then wipe dry with a clean rag. Make sure they’re fully dry before gathering your soil sample.
STEP TWO
Gather samples. Dig samples from a few different areas of your lawn, collecting them in your bucket as you go. You won’t need to get much soil for your test. Half a trowel of dirt or less from at least four different areas of your lawn will work.
STEP THREE
Mix samples. After collecting your soil samples, use your trowel to thoroughly blend them together.
STEP FOUR
Test soil. Open your soil test kit and carefully follow instructions. Once you have the results, you’re one step closer to having the perfect lawn and garden.
Looking for great tools to help get your project done? Shop Stanley, Black & Decker and DeWALT for everything you need!
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