Soil Testing
We’ll be testing for soil pH only. For more extensive tests you will need to
go to the UMass Soil Testing Lab.
A donation of $1 per sample is requested.
Why Test?
• to optimize plant growth.
• to protect the environment from contamination by runoff and leaching of excess
fertilizers.
• to aid in the diagnosis of plant culture problems.
• to improve the soil’s nutritional balance.
• to save money and conserve energy by applying only the amount of lime and
fertilizer needed.
Schedule - 2008
The 2008 schedule includes the following:
Soil Test Clinics in Hampden County
Every Tuesday - Farmer's Market at the X, Trinity United Methodist Church,
361 Sumner Ave., Springfield 12:30 - 4 PM
Every Wednesday - Farmer's Market in Chicopee 11:00 am to 3:30 pm
Every Thursday - Farmer's Market in Holyoke 12 - 4 pm
Every Thursday - Farmer's Market in Westfield 2 - 6 pm
Soil Test Clinics in Franklin, Hampshire & Worcester Counties
Barre Farmer's Market: Saturdays 9:00-12:30 Every Saturday in May and June
then the first Saturday of the month for the rest of the summer.
May 24 Hadley Garden Center, 9 - 12
May 24 Amherst Farmers Market 9 - 12
May 24 Northampton Community Gardens
May 31 Amherst Farmers Market 9 - 12
May 31 Annie's Garden Center 9 - 12
June 7 Amherst Farmers Market 9 - 12
June 7 Hadley Garden Center
June 14 Amherst Farmers Market 9 - 12
Florence Farmers Market
Soil Testing in Berkshire County
Saturday May 3, 2008
Berkshire Conservation District’s Plant Sale SOIL TESTING by Western Mass Master
Gardeners at their plant pick up sites, Peru and Lanesboro (pickup is at
Lakeview Orchard). See map on their website for directions
www.berkshireconservation.org
Times are 9am to 1pm.
Saturday May 10, 2008
Berkshire Mall Farmer’s Market Soil Testing by Master Gardeners from 9 a.m. to
Noon.
Friday May 16, 2008
Lenox Farmer’s Market Soil Testing by Master Gardeners from 3 to 5 p.m.
Saturday May 17, 2008
Berkshire Mall Farmer’s Market, Lanesboro; and Berkshire Botanical
Garden, Stockbridge; Soil Testing by Master Gardeners from 9 a.m. to Noon.
Friday May 23, 2008 Today
Lenox Farmer’s Market Soil Testing by Master Gardeners from 3 to 5 p.m.
Saturday May 24, 2008
Berkshire Mall Farmer’s Market, Lanesboro; and Berkshire Botanical
Garden, Stockbridge; Soil Testing by Master Gardeners from 9 a.m. to Noon.
Fridays, 2:30 to 4, Aspinwell Shops, Lenox, May 16 and 23
Saturdays, 9 to Noon, Berkshire Mall, Lanesborough, May 10, May 17 and May 24
Saturdays, 9 to noon, Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Stockbridge, May 17 and May 24
Mondays 9:30 to 11:30, Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Stockbridge, April 7 to October 26
Plant Swap in Belchertown
Where? Home of Elaine Williamson
253 Warren Wright Rd. Belchertown, MA 01007
email: ewilliamson@iglide.net Phone: 413-256-8204
When? On the first and third Tuesday of each month, May through September
May 6, May 20
June 3, June 17
July 1, July 15
August 5, August 19
September 2, September 16
6:00pm arrival/prep, 6:15 plant swapping begin, Rain or Shine.
How to sample your soil for testing by the WMMGA
1. When soils are distinctly different or growing different types of plants
(ex. lawns, vegetables), sample separately.
2. Areas where there is poor growth should be tested separately.
3. Using a trowel or spade, take thin slices of the soil at locations evenly
spaced in your lawn or garden as indicated below. For small areas, use fewer
slices; for large areas, use more slices.
KIND OF CROP
# OF SLICES TO SAMPLE
SAMPLING DEPTH
Lawns
10 or more
top 3-4 inches
Flowers, Vegetables and Small Fruits
10 or more
top 6-8 inches
Put slices of soil into a large, clean plastic container or bag and mix thoroughly. Take about one cup of soil mixture and put in a small plastic bag or container. Allow to dry if possible, especially if muddy. Label each sample.
Avoid taking soil which has recently been limed or fertilized.