Soil tests for lawn and garden

[cmcgill]

Is there a better time to get a soil test for your lawn?

How about your garden?

Thanks,
curtis

[andy10917]

Soil that isn't frozen solid has some advantages. Just sayin'.

[ken-n-nancy]

It's also good to have the test samples be taken at least 30+ days after a prior application of phosphorus, potassium, lime, or sulfur. (In other words, don't take a sample a couple weeks after applying something that affects the test, as it hasn't had sufficient time to take effect and may slew test results.)

Ideal time is at the beginning of the growing season, but an advantage of getting a test performed now is the ST6 interpretations have a much shorter backlog at this time of year. If you seek ST6 advice, be sure to follow the instructions in the "sticky" posting in the soil management forum, particularly with regard to the lab used and the sample depth.

[TimmyG]

Most prefer to sample in the spring before starting soil applications (P & K fertilizers, lime, micros, etc.). Recent applications can bias the test results. See Re: Posting A Soil Test for Interpretation. The same logic applies to garden soil.
(Answered before seeing ken-n-nancy's post.)

[cmcgill]

I might go on and do a soil test this year then. I've only used grains, 1 application of Screamin' Green, and generous amounts of BLKH on the yard so far. I also gave in and started spot spraying dandelions with 2, 4-D Amine.

Thanks!