In this episode I walk you through why fall testing works so well, how to take a sample that tells you the truth, and whether a home test kit is good enough. Then we'll go line by line through a soil test report so you know what pH, buffer pH, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter are telling you. And then we'll talk about what to add this fall, and what to skip, including lime, sulfur, wood ash, manure, gypsum, and coffee grounds, with adjustments for cold, moderate, and mild-winter climates.
Let's dig in!
Get a quote for your personalized garden consultation: https://justgrowsomething.com/gardenconsulting
Get your fair-trade, organic coffee and support the show at https://LarrysCoffee.com/JustGrow
My recommended at-home soil test kit: https://link.amazon/B0eUEdKgd
Penn State Extension (White) — Fall Is the Perfect Time for Soil Sampling: https://extension.psu.edu/fall-is-the-perfect-time-for-soil-sampling
University of Missouri IPM, Missouri Environment & Garden (Nathan) — Don't Guess — Test Your Soil: https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2014/4/Do-Not-Guess-Test-Your-Soil/
Faber, B. A., Downer, A. J., Holstege, D., & Mochizuki, M. J. (2007).
Accuracy varies for commercially available soil test kits analyzing nitrate–nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and pH. HortTechnology 17(3): 358–362: https://oc4h.ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2010-07/35923.pdf
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension (Lee) — No P on my Lawn!: https://kers.ca.uky.edu/core/reports/Story/s/3900/2026
University of Missouri Extension (Geist, quoting Trinklein) — Ashes to ashes: https://extension.missouri.edu/news/ashes-to-ashes
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (Fillius, Rindels, & Steil) — Using Manure in the Home Garden: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/using-manure-home-garden
Oregon State University Extension (Pokorny, with Brewer) — Coffee grounds boost soil health — and help control slugs: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/coffee-grounds-boost-soil-health-help-control-slugs
Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.com
Gardening Courses: https://justgrowsomething.com/courses
Just Grow Something Merch and Downloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shop
Just Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/
Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomething
Feed my coffee habit: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomething
Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomething
Newsletter link: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/757286/109572786559649154/share