Things You'll Need:
- Soil testing kit
- Baking soda
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Step 1
Select an area on your property for your garden. Choose a central location within your garden for soil sampling and testing.
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Step 2
Buy a soil testing kit from your local hardware store or cooperative extension office.
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Step 3
Follow the directions included with the soil test kit. Expect to place a small amount of soil into a container included in the kit. Add a reactive powder or solution to the soil. Add water and then agitate the mixture. The compound in the container should change color depending on the general make-up of your soil. Compare the color of the compound to a color chart included with the kit. Once you know the basic makeup of your soil, start planting.
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Step 4
Collect samples of soil from various areas within your garden and send them to a laboratory for testing. This gives you a comprehensive breakdown of your soil's composition. Local cooperative extension offices often provide this service free of charge.
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Step 5
Use baking soda to test your soil for too much acid. Wet the soil and sprinkle the saturated area with baking soda. If the soil contains heavy acid, a chemical reaction occurs, causing the water in the soil to bubble. If there is enough acid in the soil for this reaction to occur, chances are the acid content is too high for the successful cultivation of most plants. Consider further testing and remediation before planting.
