HERKIMER, N.Y. — Early spring is the time to plan your garden and get your seeds started under lights while waiting for the right time to plant. While you are waiting it’s also a good time to get your soil tested. Soil tests will make sure your garden is starting with the best chance of success by ensuring that your soil is optimally prepared for growing. The test will tell you your soil’s current pH is and nutrient levels. That way, when you can purchase the proper fertilizer to give your vegetables and flowers the nutrition to grow all season long.
Soil samples can be dropped off to Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County to be sent to the Dairy One Agronomy Lab in Ithaca, a soil testing service with Agro-One Nutrient guidelines generated by Cornell University. Within two-three weeks you will obtain a complete readout and recommendations, with a copy of your report sent to the local Extension office. Basic home garden pre-plant test is $13 for each sample. Soil samples taken for commercial fruit, vegetable, turf, trees and field crops vary depending upon depending on the form used and optional tests requested. Commercial growers should call the office for instructions on preparing their samples for analysis.
See our Soil Sampling webpage at http://bit.ly/CCEHCSoilSampling or call 315-866-7920 for more information. Our office is located at 5657 State Route 5 in East Herkimer across Rt. 5 from Massaro’s Nursery and located at COR Properties Business Park near Smalls Bush Rd.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County
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