Soil Test Kits

[behlgarden]

I got a question for those who have first hand experience. Being in CA, we don't get soil tests via extension services. We need to get them done from private labs and min. charge is about $80 and up.

Has anyone tried using soil test kits? anyone compared results of lab tests vs NPK Test kits? Any recommendations?

[fortyonenorth]

For $80 I would expect a soil test, analysis by a licensed agronomist and a $50 Williams-Sonoma gift card.

I use Logan Labs (www.loganlabs.com) in Ohio. Their excellent "standard" test will tell you everything you need to know regarding your soil. It costs $20 last I checked. I'm sure there are other labs with similarly economical tests.

[behlgarden]

LOL, thanks. I called around more and found one lab that would do PH, NPK, and few others like Ca, Mg, etc. for $35 with no report recommendations. I guess if I know numbers I can get recommendations from folks here specific to what I am trying to plant.

I will be back with results, unless someone tells me DIY are 90% accurate.

[erlyberd]

http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/index.htmThis guy did some write ups on DIY soil testers

[behlgarden]

the link failed.

[Worth1]

Try this one.

http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/soiltest.htm

Worth

[behlgarden]

Thank you. I finally found a lab who would test soil for me for $35 and check basic PH, NPK, and other things such as CA, MG, etc. I think thats what I would end up doing soon.

[erlyberd]

Sorry about the failed link, but there is some interesting stuff on that site. Thanks for fixing it Worth!