Take Soil Samples Anytime

            A soil sample may help explain why you are having problems in your garden or landscape. 

            Most gardeners take soil samples in the fall because the weather is nice and they have plenty of time to apply lime and get the garden in good shape before spring planting.  However, soil sampling can be done anytime during the year, says Dr. Charles Mitchell, an agronomist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 

            You may have an acidic soil that needs lime. Lime should be applied whenever it is needed to neutralize an extremely acid soil.

            Agricultural lime can be applied after plants are up and growing, although it will not be totally effective until it is worked into the soil.  Lime can be applied anytime to lawns and shrubs.

            A soil test may also help you discover that 8-8-8 or 13-13-13 fertilizer is not the best choice for your lawn, garden or shrubs.  Maybe a 15-0-15 is a better choice if the soil is already high in phosphorus.

            County Extension offices throughout the state have information and shipping boxes for sending samples to Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory.

Source:  Dr. Charles Mitchell, Agronomist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System,

 (334) 844-5489