from legumes, and nutrients from the growth of certain kinds of herbs and weeds in
the beds (see Companion Planting chapter) supply only 4% of a plant’s diet.
Imagine: Plants do 96% of the work, and you are looking to enhance just 4%!WHAT A HOME SOIL TEST WILL NOT TELL YOU
A professional soil test is an excellent tool for analyzing
de3ciencies, excesses, and the relative balance of all
plant nutrients in your garden’s soil. A home test kit,
however, is very limited and only points out pH level
and deficiencies of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Due to soil, weather, and other characteristics
mentioned above, no standard added nutrient formula
will work in all situations. The chart on this page should
be considered a general guideline.
Taking a Soil Sample
To take a soil sample from your growing site, use a
nonferrous trowel or a stainless steel spoon to dig a
vertical soil slice from 8 inches below the surface. Take
samples from 6 to 8 representative areas and mix them
together well in a clean plastic bucket. Make sure you do
not include residues, such as roots and surface organic
litter, in the composite sample. Also, do not sample for
30 days after adding any fertilizers, manure, or compost
to the area. The samples normally should be taken at the