Your soil is unique. It’s history and geography make it so.
And because it’s unique, and because understanding your soil is at the heart of your garden’s health – you do well to get to know it. To know what it feels like, what it smells like, how many critters live in it, how well it holds water… all about it! The best way to know it, is to test it. Yourself! With your very own eyes and hands and nose.
There are 2 DIY soil tests I hope to inspire you to incorporate into your gardening life:
The goal of this test is to get to know all the different parts of your land – the high bit, the low bit, the shady bit, the flat bit – so you can make sound decisions as to what to plant and where to plant it. Test each area, at about the same time each year to see how the soil is responding to your guardianship. Spring is my preferred time.
Record your findings in a notebook. This record is so blimmin useful. It will help you manage your soil, and if you need lab tests at any stage – you’ll be able to speak to your soil with authority. If you are starting a garden, note your initial findings on your basemap.
This test is simple observing – nothing tricky! Note down your observations, and you’re on your way.
Dig up a square of soil that’s a spade by spade wide and a spade deep.
I cannot enthuse enough as to how satisfying and useful it is, to connect to your soil. To be so connected that as you walk around your land you’re not only seeing what’s on top, but knowing what’s beneath.
When you understand where your soil is at and that it is slowly evolving, you aren’t bothered when things don’t grow so well.
This tie to your soil, this knowing, is peace of mind. It’s the heart of the food gardener.