Friday, September 3, 2010

Soil Test

Last Friday, we took a soil sample from our raised bed.

Getting a soil test done is really important, especially if you know nothing about the soil.  In our case, we don't know anything about what old tenants put into the soil, and we know nothing about whether any other toxic contaminants could be present in the soil.

There are several places around the country that will test your soil-- usually universities.  Out of everywhere near Baltimore, I chose UMass because they are the only place remotely nearby that includes lead in their basic soil test.  Here is their website for more information: http://www.umass.edu/soiltest/order.htm

Make sure to follow the directions completely.  To sum it up, dig about 12 holes 6-8 inches deep, put the soil into a bin, mix the soil, and take a sample to be sent to the lab (about 1 cup of soil).

dig holes
















mix the soil from the holes













take a sample and send it to the lab!  don't forget to label everything!
















and voila! up to 2 weeks later, you get the results!

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