Question From: OKLAHOMA
Q: Can I test the ph of my soil with out having a soil analysis done at the local ag. college extension center? I am planting sweet corn and canning beets where I have worked in a lot of gypsum to loosen the soil.
A:
Ken, You can buy a soil test kit from Walmart and follow the directions. Do take soil from 4 or more areas you plan to garden in. Use distilled water when you mix the soil in the little vile. These kits are not as accurate as one done at an ag. college. I use the test strips used for hot tub checks, however they are only good for pH, but are more accurate. That said, I would have one done by the extension service to give you a bench mark. I do not put a lot of faith in the inexpensive probes. Corn is a heavy feeder and likes rich soil. With a pH of 6 to 7. Beets like alkaline soil. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
