Soil Testing
Learn how to improve your soil.
All plants require nutrients for growth. Maintaining a healthy lawn or garden depends on providing the proper level and proportions of fertilizer and pH.
What nutrients do your plants need?
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potash are the major nutrients that plants need. It is important to provide plants with just the right amount of food. Too much or too little fertilizer will cause a failure to thrive in plants. The Flowerland soil test will tell you what fertilizer to use and how to apply it to provide optimum growing conditions for your lawn or garden.
What is your soil's pH?
This is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of your soil. In terms of plant growth, pH is important. Proper pH balance in the soil makes nutrients readily available to your lawn or plants. Improper pH can “tie up” or limit available nutrients. A Flowerland soil test will tell you what the pH of your soil is and will help make specific recommendations to adjust the pH of your soil.
We offer 2 types of Soil Tests.
1. pH Test – Cost: $4 per sample, done in-store while you wait. At least 2 Cups of soil are required for an accurate test.
2. Standard Soil Test – Cost: $20. At least 2 Cups of soil are required. Allow soil to dry before submitting. Wet samples may delay the process. Samples are processed in order of date paid on receipt.
To submit your sample for a Standard Soil Test, download, print and fill out the Soil Sample Sheet below. Then bring the completed sheet and your soil sample to your favorite Flowerland location. No printer, no worries, fill out the Soil Sample Sheet in-store.
How to Collect a Quality Soil Sample.
The reliability of your soil test depends on the care with which you take your sample.
Avoid contamination with cigarette ashes, residue from tools or containers, contact with your hands or any other foreign substance.
Your sample should be representative of the entire area where similar plants will be grown.
Gather at least 5 samples from different locations in the area with a clean trowel, 2 – 3 inches below the surface.
Mix them thoroughly in a container.
Remove any rocks or debris.
Do not mix samples from clearly different areas. Have different areas analyzed separately.
Allow sample to air dry. (Wet samples may delay the process.)
Put approximately 1 quart of mixed soil in a clean plastic container or plastic, resealable baggie. (Do not use old food containers as they can contaminate your sample.)
Bring the sample to your favorite Flowerland location for testing.
