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When I started gardening I planted whatever wherever. Some plants thrived; many died. Finally I learned the importance of testing the soil - I found out what micronutrients I lacked and how my pH levels were out of whack. After following the detailed recommendations, my crops thrived. I could have saved myself so much money and time if I had done this earlier.
Andrew G
Do YOU know if your soil is missing nutrients? Perhaps you have plants that refuse to grow even though there’s another one of the same type just yards away! This could be due to an imbalance in your soil, and a test kit can help solve this problem.
A good soil test kit is able to tell you if your soil's nutrients are off, and you can then correct it to get healthy soil, beautiful lawns, and thriving plants all season long.
Know Your Soil’s pH, Micronutrients and Macronutrients with these Best Soil Test Kits
Best Test Soil Kit For Organic Gardeners - Soil Savvy
When going organic in your garden, synthetic fertilizers are a no-no—healthy soil is key to healthy plants.
This kit from Soil Savvy is a professional-grade set for those gardeners who want a swift, full analysis of their soil using a natural solution.
Once you send in your sample, you’ll receive a comprehensive report on your soil status. It searches for both macro and micronutrients as well as pH. They’ll let you know which nutrients your garden is lacking and what to steer away from.
Based on their tailored evaluation, they also provide you with suggestions for both synthetic and organic fertilizers.
Here’s Ryan sharing how to use the Soil Savvy kit.
Pros
In-depth analysis of 14 nutrients and pH
Easy to use
Fast evaluation turnaround
Easy-to-read results
Tailored recommendations; really helps you put together a solid plan of action
Great customer service
Cons
Reports require some know-how to apply
Best Soil Kit For Experienced Gardeners - Soil Kit Test Kit
For seasoned gardeners, we would suggest Soil Kit’s Test Kit.
In the bundle, you’ll receive a paper bag for your collection, a small garden spade and postage to resend to the lab. There’s even a micronutrient panel, which analyzes the composition, elements, health as well as potential problem areas.
Your results will be sent directly via email, along with recommendations and solutions to possible problems. However, you’ll need a certain degree of knowledge to apply your findings. This is why we believe this kit is suited to the experienced.
Pros
Quick results
Easy to use
Thorough analysis
Recommendations for bettering your soil
Cons
Not one of the best test soil kits for beginners
Best For Home Testing - LaMotte Garden Kit
If you’re searching for a test kit where you can do it all from home, then LaMotte could have something for you. This Garden Kit lets you play scientist for the day by providing you with everything needed to test your soil.
Unlike the test kits above, this one lets you do all the work from home. You’ll receive different rapid tests along with instructions and color charts for your results.
Still, there’s a convenience here which you won’t find with the others. There’s zero waiting time—you add your soil to the different tests and your results are revealed. The kit analyzes concentrations of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus as well as pH. You’ll receive 15 tests for each, except for pH where you’ll get 30.
We think this set is fantastic if you want to learn more about your garden and how to determine its status. LaMotte provides you with its Soil Handbook and Garden Guide to assist you in interpreting the results and implementing fertilizer or lime recommendations.
Here is a video showing how you’ll use the LaMotte garden kit.
Pros
Everything can be done from home
Great for teaching yourself about garden health
Tests for major nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium) and pH
Cons
No analysis of micronutrients
Best Test Soil Kit For Establishing Food Plots - Whitetail Institute Laboratory
Whether you’re into hunting or want to divert the wildlife from your thriving garden, this soil kit can help. The Whitetail Institute Laboratory Soil Test Kit specializes in assisting landowners in establishing food plots successfully. It’s super easy to use, and the results are available by mail or email within seven days.
You’ll have to clarify on the form what type of plants or garden you have to obtain the best analysis. Once you send your sample, it’s tested for levels of different nutrients including pH, calcium, and magnesium. Then, depending on your results, they’ll give you recommendations on what to add or stop using.
Here is Whitetail’s founder showing the step-by-step process of how to take a soil test correctly. We’ve set the video to start partway, but if you want to hear him give valuable insight about fertilizers and soil management, you can watch the video from the start.
Pros
Excellent for starting food plots
Tests both for macro, micronutrients and pH
Tips for improving your garden
Cons
Prepaid postage not included
Our Top Pick
Our winner for today is Soil Savvy by Soil Test Kit—it’s straightforward and will analyze all nutrients and pH in your soil. Along with your results, you’ll receive recommendations for fertilizers, both organic and synthetic.
Here is an example of the results you get from Soil Savvy. This should give you an idea of what to expect from the results you’ll get from laboratory soil test kits.
Why It's Essential to Test Your Soil
Sadly, planning or maintaining your garden isn’t always as straightforward as it may seem. You know how it is. You plant your seeds and wait, only to find tiny shoots that won’t grow. Plants require nutrients to develop, just like we do. If you look closely at any fertilizer, you’re likely to see a few common ones like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. However, there are other crucial nutrients such as calcium, which is vital for optimal plant health.
Before planting a garden, it’s important to get your soil checked. This way, you’ll know what you need to add, what you have enough of, and which kind of plants can thrive. It allows you to amend possible issues before they affect your vegetation.
It can also help you prevent over-fertilization, which can lead to erratic growth like root-forking in carrots.
Lastly, it’s crucial to check your soil to measure the pH level. If the soil is too acidic or contains excessive alkaline, certain plants will not grow. Of course, some thrive in an acidic environment, but most prefer a neutral range.
Types of Soil Tests
1. Soil pH
The primary measurement tested for is the soil pH level. You’ll find kits which exclusively look for this and others that combine it with additional data. For most plants, an ideal pH is between 5.5 and 7.0. However, research the plants you’re trying to grow to ensure you’re within the right range.
2. Micronutrients
Micronutrients are elements like calcium, iron, magnesium, among others. These are also crucial for flourishing plants. Sadly, most home tests only look for the major nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
3. Macronutrients
When working with fertilizers, you’ll probably notice an NPK rating. This is what tells you the proportions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) present in the fertilizer. NPK are the nutrients most plants require to mature and fortunately, they’re generally present in the soil already.
Types of Soil Testing Kits
1. Chemical Tests
Chemical soil testers are relatively easy to use—you’ll receive everything you need in the kit. This usually includes vials where you place your soil, combined with water and a colored capsule. Each tablet represents a test for a nutrient.
You drop in the capsule, shake the vial, and wait as per instructions. Soon, the water changes color which you can then compare to the accompanying color chart. More advanced chemical kits are available, but these aren’t necessarily more accurate.
2. Professional Soil Test Kits
Likely the best and most accurate are professional soil test kits. These require you to collect a sample of your dirt and send it to a lab where experts conduct an analysis. Since the labs have all the specialized equipment needed for precise results, this is the most reliable method.
At the lab, they test for everything, including pH, N, P, K, and micronutrients. With most kits, you’ll also receive recommendations for improving your soil quality.
In saying this, its accuracy does depend on your ability to gather the dirt. You must harvest soil from different spots in your garden, then mix before letting it dry and sending it off to the lab.
3. Digital Soil Testers
Digital soil testers are great if you want to conduct a quick analysis of your garden. These come in two forms. One includes a vial and one requires you to insert it directly into the ground. Although, the most accurate is the former. Keep in mind that most only check the soil’s pH level.
However, if you’re looking to check for nutrients, you’re better off with either a chemical or professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy soil test kits?
You can buy soil test kits from online stores like Amazon or brick and mortar stores like the nearest hardware or gardening store near you.
How to soil test kits work?
Most soil test kits work by having you collect samples of your soil and then sending it to the laboratory for testing. Soil collection tools are provided and even postage to resend to the lab. You’ll get the micronutrients, macronutrients, and pH results via email along with recommendations and solutions to problems in your plots or gardens.
How good are home test soil kits?
Home test soil kits like the LaMotte are fairly accurate. If you want to get precise readings though, opt for the laboratory test kits.
Should I test my soil before planting?
It is ideal to test your soil before planting. Some experts say ‘just plant it and see if it works’ , but knowing exactly what’s in your soil (or what’s NOT in it) will help you know if your plants will thrive and grow.
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