We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› By Colleen Hagerty Colleen Hagerty is a writer focused on emergency preparedness.

Anxious about the rueful state of his peas, radishes and onions, Rod Marquardt arrived at the University of Minnesota’s soil testing laboratory with two lunch bag-sized containers of dirt. “We’re just ...

Regularly testing your soil is more important than you might think for helping your plants thrive. Soil tests measure soil pH and nutrient content. The soil of established gardens should be tested ...

Whether you’re preparing for your first garden, planning next year’s plantings after a successful harvest or looking to install a lawn, your first step should be conducting a soil test. “Soil is one ...

If you want your plants to grow big and healthy, soil quality matters. Even if you aren’t planning on growing a lush veggie garden, all plants need nutrients to grow, in addition to light and water.

The question I receive most frequently from vegetable gardeners: How much fertilizer should I apply? The second most frequently asked question: How can I get better vegetable yields in my garden? Both ...

Before applying fertilizer or any other soil amendment, it's a good idea to see what the soil already contains. That way you won't be inadvertently increasing a nutrient the soil already has plenty of ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Gardener spoons soil into a plastic testing tube - William Edge/Shutterstock Failing to conduct a soil test is one of the biggest ...

Lead-contaminated soil can have adverse health outcomes, especially for children. Now in its second year, a project offering free soil testing to Lafayette residents is calling on homeowners to submit ...