Soil Testing
If you are starting a new garden, or if the plants in your garden don't seem to be growing well, you should have your soil tested. A test will tell you if your soil is deficient in any essential minerals or if the pH (acidity/alkalinity) needs to be adjusted.
You should NEVER add lime or other minerals unless this is indicated by a soil test. If you add the wrong thing, or use too much, you can cause long-term damage to the soil. You always can add compost and organic mulches to your soil without testing first, though. Soil tests such as those conducted by the University of Georgia Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Laboratory will help you develop and maintain a more productive soil by providing information about the fertility status of your soil. Information from a soil test will help you select the proper liming and fertilization program to obtain optimal growth of lawn, garden and ornamental plants. One of the most important steps in soil testing is collecting the sample. Soil test results can be no better than the sample submitted to the laboratory for analysis. A soil sample weighing about one pound is used to represent thousands of pounds of soil in the landscape or garden. Therefore, it is extremely important that soil samples be properly and carefully taken.
The Peach County Extension Service Office provides testing for:
Whether you'd like to increase your crop yield, grow healthier roses, test the quality of your drinking water, or make sure your creek isn't polluted, soil testing will help. To submit samples to the labs, contact the Peach County Extension Office. Soil, Plant and Water Analysis Laboratory |
Soil Testing
Guidelines