deirdre, I googled Easy Bloom and it sounds pretty remarkable if it can get accurate soil and moisture tests as it claims to. Amazon had it at 44.49 with free shipping.

I'd say go for it. If you're not a rabid gardener and trying to raise out of zone plants it sounds like this doohickey could save you a bunch of $$ over trial and error methods.

I personally think any tester that is sold without calibration standards to use in calibrating the instrumentation sounds like a load of bunk, but then being a scientist makes me leary in that manner. Without standards, how do you know that any results you get mean anything??? I would do further research on it and contact the manufacturer and ask to see information on how it works and how you go about calibrating your instrument. If they can't give you any credible information, then I would stay clear of it.

I don't know anything about this product. But I have been disappointed with all probes I have used in the past. But this product seems to integrate with an online database that might be useful. Read the reviews on Amazon for more details.

If you are in NC, cooperative extension does basic soil testing for free (pH, soil class, humic levels, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc). They charge only if you want an analysis of heavy metals.

Here is a link that might be useful: NC Cooperative Extension

Wondering, would the soils not vary from place to place in the yard expecially in new construction where the soil is added from a variety of sources?

The price for the Easy Bloom dropped to $38 and free shipping, so I put it on my Holiday Wish list with STRONG suggestions to dear ole hubby. I'll keep you posted.

In terms of my garden, I have some areas that plants do well in and several areas that nothing takes. Plants that should thrive, Homestead verbena, lantana, etc, do not survive. So I plan on concentrating my efforts in these areas first. Of course, it's the spot that you can see out my kitchen window!!! I think I'll invest in a soil kit from one of the big box stores and see what happens. If I do not have any success, then I will definitely contact the Extension office.

Thank you all for your replies.