By Lori Lovely | Published May 20, 2022 5:44 PM

Healthy soil is key to growing a vigorous lawn. Good soil also reduces runoff, erosion, and leaching of surplus fertilizer, which can help your local environment.

Not all soil is created equal, though; soil amendments might be necessary to achieve the results you desire. But before adding any type of amendment, it’s vital to understand your soil type. That’s achieved through soil testing, which evaluates a soil’s nutrient status. Put simply, soil type is a way to classify soil texture and the amount of sand, silt, or clay in its composition. Understanding your soil type helps guide decisions about which additives to apply for ideal lawn and garden growth.

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Testing soil will analyze its pH and fertility, all of which contribute to the soil’s capacity to retain moisture and provide nutrients. The results of this “dirt test” provide insight into what amendments—such as compost and fertilizer—are necessary to improve the soil and optimize plant growth.

Soil analysis can help save money on unnecessary fertilizers. Over-treating lawns, for example, can result in an increase of weeds or brown spots of grass where the turf is “burned.” Soil tests can also increase yield. By identifying any nutrient deficiencies, a soil test provides information on which additives you can apply to benefit plant and grass growth.

In general, you should test soil every 3 to 5 years—more frequently if you’re trying to make major changes in your soil’s composition. Try to collect soil samples around the same time of year each time for best the comparison.

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A soil sample test examines many factors, including:

To get an accurate sampling of your soil, avoid collection when the soil is wet or has been recently fertilized. Once you’ve selected a suitable time, follow these simple steps.

If you’re uncertain about how to get your soil tested, you can buy a soil test kit like this option available at Amazon that comes with step-by-step instructions for collection. Locations you can send samples to for testing are also often provided. Soil test kits are also usually available at local extension offices.

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Each company or agency performs soil tests differently, so there is no such thing as a uniform report. However, you should receive the same basic information, no matter where your soil is tested. Based on the results, the report should offer recommendations to help you improve your soil. The below options are a few common remedies.

To correct nutrient levels, select a fertilizer high in the specific nutrient needed. They’re typically listed as N-P-K: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

If you want to learn how to test soil yourself, there are several methods you can try easily at home.

To test the pH of your soil, use a red cabbage:

You can achieve similar results with one part white vinegar to one part water added to some of your soil in a container. Fizzing indicates alkaline soil. Or, add one part baking soda to one part water and a soil sample. If it fizzes, the soil is acidic.

To test soil moisture, give your dirt sample a squeeze. If a handful of soil holds its shape after being squeezed, it’s moist. If it crumbles, it’s not. You can also perform a visual inspection or use a moisture meter like this option available at Amazon (some 3-in-1 moisture probes also test for light and pH) for a more accurate reading.

Finally, you might want to check your soil’s temperature to know if your lawn is ready for seeding. You can place a meat thermometer in the ground for 5 minutes or more to measure its temperature. If the soil temperature is below 45 degrees, it’s too cold to plant. If you’d rather keep your kitchen utensils out of the dirt, you can also use a soil thermometer like this one available at Amazon.

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