Blog #4- Soil Testing

    During our first two days of research, Dani and I took note of everything that plants needed to thrive, sun, shade, water, and soil type. This is arguably one of the most important things about gardening. There are six different types of clay, sandy, silty, peaty, chalky, and loamy. Dani and I also needed to test the nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, and potassium levels in the soil in order to get the right plants. We first went to Bremec’s to look for a soil testing kit, but we were out of luck. We then tried the science department and they lent it to us to run our experiment. 

Dani and I went out to our garden to gather 3 different soil samples from different areas of the garden, upper left, upper right, and bottom left. We wanted to test different areas to see if the soil nutrients were consistent throughout the entire garden. Dani and I also researched our location to see our zone hardiness. USDA zone hardiness is able to tell you which plants thrive in our area. In northeast Ohio, we are a zone 6. The websites we were able to find with plant information give you a range to tell you where exactly your plants can thrive.

After collecting the soil samples with an electronic shovel, Dani and I were able to properly complete all of our tests. We also deduced with one of the science teachers that our soil is more clay-like, meaning it is very moist and clumps together well. All three of the areas tested had the exact same soil, which will make our research much easier for Dani and me. The pH of the soil is more acidic at a six, both the phosphorus and nitrogen levels came back low, and the potassium levels were high for all of our soil samples. 

With this, Dani and I are continuing our research and hope to have our garden be beautiful and thrive.