Don't guess. Soil test! That's the advice of turf management experts. Soil testing is a first step in determining what your lawn needs for optimum health and growth.
While nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients are necessary for a healthy lawn, over-application of fertilizers wastes money, ruins plants, and pollutes water. In our area, that water includes the Kalamazoo River, its tributaries, and our numerous lakes. Just 1 lb. of phosphorous supports 1,000 lbs. of algae growth!
On Saturday, April 22 from 9:00AM to 1:00PM, the following retailers are offering free soil testing at these establishments:
| Allegan | Allegan Conservation District |
| Albion | Jolly Green Junction |
| Battle Creek | Battle Creek Farm Bureau, Battle Creek Store |
| Lakeview Hardware |
| Level Park Hardware |
| Lowe's |
| Scooter's Hardware |
| Charlotte | Eaton Farm Bureau |
| Delton | Delton Floral and Greenhouse |
| Kalamazoo | Farm N Garden |
| Marshall | Darling's Hardware |
| Calhoun Conservation District |
| Olivet | Olivet High School |
| Otsego | Home Depot |
| Portage | Lowe's |
| Kalamazoo Conservation District |
| Richland | Richland Hardware |
So, take a sample of your lawn soil in for testing. It's easy! Follow these directions:
- Using a clean trowel and pail, collect ten representative soil samples from your lawn.
- For each sample, remove a trowel-full of soil that extends a few inches below the surface (do not include roots, thatch, plant materials, rocks or gravel in the sample). Mix the ten soil samples together in the pail.
- Place 1 cup of the well-mixed soil in a clean plastic bag or container. Dry or damp soil is okay, but soggy soil should be allowed to air dry. Do not dry soil in the oven or microwave, as it will alter you test results!
If you miss the free soil testing event on April 22, you can submit soil samples for testing at any time at the MSU Extension office in Kalamazoo. Click here for more information.
