Most of the store-bought test kits are highly questionable, Trish. The results are easily affected by too many variables to be accurate. If you really need a soil test you are far better off paying a couple of extra dollars to have it done professionally (usually runs $10 to $15). You local county extension office will test for you or put you in touch with a local lab. That way you'll have results you can count on. ;)

If you want to read more posts about soil testing and comparative results on home vs. pro tests, I recommend some browsing over on the Soil, Compost & Mulch forum as soil testing is a very common discussion there.

Dave

PS: One thing to keep in mind if it will help - the addition of a good amount of quality compost to your garden soil can easily repair most soil problems. It balances the ph, improves tilth, aids in moisture control, adds needed nutrients in a readily available form, and even boosts micro organisms that control soil-borne diseases. Quick, cheap fix! ;)

agreed, the probe units sold for $15 or so in stores are not reliable. I bought one years ago and it said my soil's pH was around 6.8 so I figured it was dead on accurate since I knew that to be the case.

Then I used it in a different soil I knew to be acidic and guess what? I read 6.8. That's just what it reads LOL.

They also have some that tell you if nutrient levels are low, high or just right. Trouble is they have no way of knowing what nutrients are in the soil or in what ratio.

Just get a soil test at a state lab (county extension service) and then you know what's what. In most cases you just need to get it done once every 5-10 years depending on how nutrient hungry the plants being grown are. pH is unlikely to change much.

pH is unlikely to change much
Unless you add amendments of course ;-)

Step 1 = site selection
Step 2 = soil test
Can't go wrong with a "real soil test" -RST, ha

Actually saves money in the looong run. Don't have to buy things you don't need. Definitely saves time & guess work too.

HTH,
Gumby_CT

Trish, a basic soil test done by Oklahoma Extension service costs just $10.00. Well worth it. Click on the attached link for further information.

As an experienced gardener, you would do well to become acquainted with your extension service...visit the local office, as well as browse their web site.

Here is a link that might be useful: Click here