In addition, some gardeners have a preference for analog or digital tests. Different types are better suited for specific types of soil. Soil test kits come in a variety of formats. ![]() However, measuring moisture content according to the instructions on the test kit may help determine how well the soil retains moisture. Moisture: Some soil test kits will also test the moisture of the soil, although of course, this can change with rain or watering. Light: Not every soil test kit will measure light, but it’s valuable if you want to figure out whether a plant will receive low, medium, or full sunlight in a specific spot. If you’re unsure if it’s warm enough to plant yet, it’s a valuable feature to have. Temperature: Checking the temperature of your soil helps you determine the best time to plant new seeds. Others, such as blueberry bushes and dogwood trees, prefer more acidic soil. Some plants and trees, such as lavender and ornamental cherry trees, prefer slightly alkaline soil. Most plants prefer neutral soil–a pH of 7–but your ideal results may vary depending on what you hope to grow. PH Level: Checking the pH level of the soil will reveal how alkaline or acidic it is. Some kits will also detect complementary components, such as organic matter and carbon, which don’t directly help plants grow but may impact the nutrient retention of the soil. Lab-based “professional” kits, which ask you to send a soil sample to a company lab, test for a much wider range of micronutrients. Many also test for micronutrients like iron and zinc, which plants need in small quantities, but are still essential for growing a lush garden.Īt-home kits that test for nutrients usually focus on a core set of macronutrient tests. Most look for “macronutrients,” which plants need most, such as potassium and nitrogen. ![]() Nutrients: Plants need nutritious soil to grow, so many soil test kits focus on checking nutrient levels in the ground. Here are some of the most common things gardeners track using soil test kits: Gardening tool manufacturers broadly refer to these desirable elements as “components.” Most test kits give you the ability to test for many components at once. Though they come in many forms, soil test kits check your garden for nutrients and other things that plants need to grow, including pH levels, moisture, and sunlight. ![]() What to Consider When Buying Soil Test Kits What Do Soil Kits Test Do? As a writer with a focus on sustainability and gardening for home and outdoor publications, such as, I’ve used a variety of soil test kits to determine the quality of soil and properly supplement our gardens without harming nature. I live on a 20-acre farm where we grow organic hay and vegetables, accumulate lots of compost, and create habitats for wildlife. Show more The Expert: I’ve been a gardener since 2015 and grow everything from delicious cooking herbs to cute pumpkins and beautiful flowers.
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