Soil & PlantingHow to Test Your Garden Soil
Head of Operations · April 4, 2026
If your plants struggle year after year, guessing won’t fix it—testing your soil will.
Why Soil Testing Matters
A soil test tells you:
- ✓ pH (how acidic or alkaline your soil is)
- ✓ Nutrient levels
- ✓ What your plants actually need
Instead of guessing with fertilizer, you’re making informed decisions.
How to Take a Soil Sample
- ✓ Take samples from multiple spots (4–6 inches deep)
- ✓ Mix them together in a bucket
- ✓ Let soil dry
- ✓ Send to a lab (Purdue offers testing options)
This gives you a more accurate picture of your soil.
What You’re Looking For
Most annuals perform best at pH between 6.0–7.0. If your soil is off, nutrients become unavailable—plants may look deficient even when fertilizer is present.
Indiana Reality
A lot of Indiana soils lean clay-heavy, can drain poorly, and may have pH issues. Testing helps you avoid fighting your soil blindly.
Hoosier Tip
If you’ve had the same problem two years in a row, don’t guess—test your soil. It’s one of the easiest ways to improve results long-term.
Reference: Purdue University Extension — Indiana gardening resources
