Collect Soil Samples Now to Prepare for Next Year
go.ncsu.edu/readext?728023
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲Now is the time to start planning for next year’s garden. The first step in those plans should include getting a soil test so you have your soil prepared and amended by spring.
Now is the time to collect soil samples to prepare your garden for next spring.
Now is also a good time to get a soil test while they are free, before the peak-season testing fee starts. The soil test fee begins after the Thanksgiving holiday, continues through March, costing $4 per sample.
A soil test, offered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, allows you to learn about your soil’s pH and fertility. Boxes and forms are available at the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Wayne County Center (3114B Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro). After you submit a soil sample, you will receive a report via email a few weeks later. The report will provide important information about your soil, like pH and nutrient levels, and will give you fertilizer and lime recommendations needed to reach optimum soil conditions.
Turnaround time on soil test results can vary from 3 to 6 weeks. If you are considering sending off a soil test, now would be a good time so you can have your results and start planning for next year’s garden.
When you collect a soil sample, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best results. As you prepare for collecting samples, you want to consider how many separate samples you should collect. You will want to collect samples based on what types of plants you are growing. On the form, you will indicate the types of plants you are growing so recommendations will be tailored for them. For example, you may collect separate samples for your vegetable garden, lawn, and flower beds. Another aspect to consider when deciding how many samples to collect is to look at areas that may vary in soils type or drainage. If you were going to collect a sample for your lawn, you would probably want to collect separate samples for the front and back lawn. You will also want to collect separate samples for acid-loving plants like centipede grass, blueberries, and azaleas. These plants prefer soils to be more acidic (lower soil pH) than other plants.
As you collect a sample, you want to collect several (6 to 10) “mini-samples” randomly within the area. Then mix the samples in a bucket before putting them in the box that will be sent for testing. This method will provide a better representation of the entire area and lead to better results.
Once you receive your results, you will find a lot of information on soil pH, phosphorus, potassium, lime and fertilizer recommendations. This information can sometimes be overwhelming, but don’t worry – the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Wayne County Center office is available to help you understand your report and determine what amendments your soil needs.
Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden, and having your soil tested is a small investment of time that yields significant results. It removes the guesswork from fertilizing and amending your soil. By getting your soil tested now, you’ll have ample time to prepare your garden and landscape, leading to healthier plants in the next growing season.
Jessica Strickland is an Agriculture Extension Agent, specializing in horticulture for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County.
Learn More!
- Sign up for the Wayne County Extension Gardening email list to receive timely gardening tips.
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
- Visit the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox to discover more plant ideas for your garden.