Hi Dolly

PLEASE let me know what you are trying to grow.

Then I will get back with other recommendations - Thanks!!



Hi Dolly,

Thank you for this information.

Sorry, there are no free soil tests in Michigan (MSU). You can check with these universities to see if they have free soil tests or if their costs are lower:

Ohio State University: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132

University of Illinois: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/soiltest/

University of Wisconsin: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/news/2018/03/30/soil-testing-for-the-homeowner/

Here are some references, so you have an idea of how important a soil test is for what you are growing. I am getting this information from the Gardening in Michigan website at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/tip_sheets/smart-soils

Test Your Soil: A soil test is the best way to learn what the pH of your soil is and what fertilizer it needs. Do not add lime unless recommended by soil test results. If you suspect your soil is contaminated from something that was there prior to your garden, test for contaminants before growing anything you eat. Check out these links:

https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/dont_guess_soil_test_get_your_home_lawn_and_garden_soil_test_kit_today

Build Your Soils: Smart soil is the key to healthy plants and a successful garden. If you have limited money or time, put your resources into improving your soil. This will make all other gardening tasks easy. Check out this link:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart_gardens_begin_with_healthy_soil

Prepare Your Soil for Planting: On a day that hasn’t had any rain, pick up a handful of soil and squeeze it. If the soil falls out in pieces, it is dry enough to dig. If it stays in a mud ball, it is too wet, so try again tomorrow. Remove all weeds, sod, trash, and rocks. If you have a lot of weeds, lay plastic down on the soil for a few weeks before you plant. That will kill the weeds without any harmful side-effects. Apply compost, fertilizer, and any soil amendments suggested by a soil test before tilling. Turn over or till your soil to a depth of 8-12 inches. Check out these links:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart_fertilizer_use_a_vegetable_garden_begins_with_a_soil_management_plan

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/fertilizer_basics_for_the_smart_gardener

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart_soils_what_you_can_do_to_reduce_phosphorus

Don’t Compact Your Soil: Do not walk or operate heavy equipment over wet soil. Soils often remain cold, wet, and heavy late into spring. Digging in those conditions further compacts the soil and creates a solid mass where new roots cannot grow. Consider gardening in a raised bed if your soil is heavy, compacted, or contaminated. Check out this link:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/what_to_do_about_compacted_soil

Work Compost Into Your Garden Soil Every Year: Adding compost is beneficial for almost all soils. Compost or decomposed organic matter makes soils alive and fertile. Compost must be added every year because your plants use up all the nutrients. Check out this link:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/composting_a_smart_gardening_practice_to_recycle_garden_and_yard_waste

Layer 2-3 Inches of Mulch in Your Garden: Natural mulches such as wood chips can prevent weeds, conserve water, and moderate soil temperatures. Check out this link:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart_gardeners_improve_their_soil_and_weed_control_with_organic_mulch

Hi Dolly,

The standard cost of the soil test is $25.00 - You can get a Soil Test Kit Self-Mailer from the MSU Extension Bookstore - Please click on this link: https://shop.msu.edu/product_p/bulletin-e3154.htm

The directions on how to do the soil test are on the Soil Test Kit Self Mailer

PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE: How do you get a soil test kit when offices are closed? - Rebecca Krans, Michigan State University Extension - April 23, 2020 - Online home lawn and garden soil test kits are still available through Michigan State University Extension. Click on this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how-do-i-get-a-soil-test-kit-when-offices-are-closed