A $20 UMass Amherst soil test gives gardeners custom advice to improve soil, save money and help plants grow better.

Save money and time. A soil test tells you what you need instead of using unnecessary fertilizers. Significant amounts of essential nutrients are removed from the soil through plant growth, so ...

When farmers talk about their soil test results, the conversation often starts and ends with soil pH. While that one number is important to determining whether lime is needed, that insight is just a ...

Is soil testing important? How can I get my soil tested? The first question is do you need a soil test? There are several situations where a soil test may be appropriate: 1. Landscaping a new home ...

Some gardens explode with life while others struggle, and the difference almost always starts underground. Soil holds secrets ...

Annette MaCoy, Penn State Master Gardener Coordinator, Franklin County Penn State Extension and the Penn State Agricultural ...

Dig in and get to know your garden soil before you start planting for the season. Courtesy Johnson County Extension With the 2026 growing season inching ever closer, now is an excellent time of year ...

Your soil's pH level has a major impact on your plants. Get a better idea of whether it's acidic, neutral, or alkaline with ...

Peter Richards tests the reliability of do-it-yourself home soil test kits. This week on The Family Plot: Gardening in the Mid-South, local gardener Peter Richards demonstrates how to use different ...

When it comes to growing cotton, success starts before a single seed is planted. Many growers focus on managing cotton after it has emerged, but successful management begins below the surface and ...

Quick strip tests reveal how much nitrogen is already available in soil and irrigation water, helping you avoid unnecessary ...

Learn how to identify compacted soil after winter and restore it with simple aeration techniques, so your garden is ready for ...