The kit was expensive and while you can do several tests (I tested four areas... shade area, front bushes, fruit garden, and overall lawn) the supplied chemicals last only 6 months to a year!!! I was planning to test 1 - 3 times a year. I don't think I will get the full value out of this kit. Please consider the expiration of supplied chemicals in your review/recommendations. Great work as always.
Sounds like the only thing to consider is the accuracy of these tests. Would you rather have one thats cheaper and with chemicals that last 2yrs, but doesn't test accurately?
This is great if you need something quick, but if your planning to have a garden and have the time, I recommend looking up "[your state] soil test extension" if you're in the US. Each state has Extension offices that provide you with resources on how to grow stuff in your region and your taxes already pay for that (you can literally call these people and ask for advice). The soil test will cost, but it's usually very cheap. My state charges only $8 but some states I've seen are around $15. The most expensive I've seen was around $30. Still, that is much cheaper than this kit and you get the most accurate results from a lab. Usually the PDF you receive will also give you instructions on what to do. For example, if you're pH is low the PDF will give you a certain amount of lime to add per square foot. It'll also tell you what kind of fertilizer to use.
Hey Doc, I’m new to gardening so I was A LOT of videos. So much to learn. I just want to say, 2 minutes in and you staring you don’t accept products from companies to review because you it might have an effect on your review is the reason I subscribed and I’m a new fan. Talk about INTEGRITY! Nowadays everyone is all about getting sponsors and I’m noticing it A LOT in the Gardening world. It really reminds me of when I was into weight training and would research supplements/products. Just from the get go, you taking about having a clear baseline of a soil sample done by a lab to compare it too shows your integrity and your wisdom. Sorry I’m rambling, but this was just refreshing to see after I’ve watched hours upon hours of people pushing companies and advertising. You’re a gem sir and I’m not even done watching your video. Bravo
degacci same here...if I’m gonna be forced to stay home, then: 1 -> Thank God I finally have time to do the kind of gardening I always wanted to do and 2 -> I might as well do my research to get it right. (right?)
Awesome Doc, will be ordering one for my lawn this week. I've been looking for something like this for a while now. I hiuld have checked your channel sooner. Great job as always, thanks.
The Paper discussed in the video published by the American Society for Horticultural Science, in HortTechnology said they did not perform pH tests with LaMotte Soil Test Kit "Garden Kit". However, at the bottom of the paper, it states, "La Motte Soil Test Kit results corresponded to those from the analytical laboratory for pH and all nutrients (94% of the tests matched). " Titled: Accuracy Varies for Commercially Available Soil Test Kits... Confusing? 2 years later and this video is still helping folks.
FYI: the word "Reagent" is pronounced "Ree-agent" because it is a 'reaction' - 'agent' A 'Regent' is someone who rules a country in place of the usual ruler i.e. a King
Great! Thank you for the information! I have many areas to my garden with varying soil. I will save money investing in this kit and not buying many little ones! Two thumbs up, Doc!
How do you test for old Chlordane residue or years of Roundup build up before growing a backyard garden and then unwittingly feed your children poison?...
Interesting video. I'm wondering if you could point me the link that shows the report from the lab that evaluated the product you recommended? Thanks in advance and thanks for posting.
This looks like a good solution vs most of the other options out there. Looks expensive though unless you're doing a lot of tests in a shott amount of time. You mentioned that it has enough solution to do many multiple tests but it looks like the solutions are only good for a max of 6 months to a year.
Liam Sunstrum to tell you the ph levels , usually lawn needs nitrogen since it only needs to be green and grow. It also needs good draining soil for sod.
The doc I know I lost my mind when I did a complete overseat on my yard North Alabama last end of August 1st September with three-way fescue thought excuse me tall thin red and Kentucky 31 and it was drop Dead gorgeous by well in the winter it was already beautiful but in the spring and early summer it was drop dead gorgeous and all of a sudden I get hit with something I think's called nimblewill and then two kinds of crabgrass I think Plus it got about 40 days over 95 just now starting to cool and my whole yard's dead except for the damn weeds I've been looking all through this up subscribed and I've looked all through this and I can't find anything by fescue help me out man
Just thought I would add for folks. You can purchase a soil test from MSU. Just google MSU soil test. They will send you a kit. Fill with your dirt sample and mail back. 7-10 days you’ll get results of your test via email. MSU is a AG school, and one the best turf programs in the world. The cost for the kit is 25.00. At least then you will know it’s spot on correct! Have a good day!
yes, the university extensions in most states do this and for a similar price. In my case no kit, just samples in a ziplock sent off to the lab, and results back in a couple weeks. The university test measured calcium and magnesium as well, and will make recommendations based on a specific planned crop. In my case reccomendations for pasture vs. for alfalfa were different for very similar underlying soil since additional nitrogen which is good for grass would actually hurt the alfalfa which has to compete with the grass.
the magnesium and calcium are important, as they can tell you if your soil needs lime for the pH, or if maybe you need to take another tactic to make the existing calcium and magnesium more reactive so they can fix the pH.
love the video. big fan. what do you recommend for testing a soil that is gonna be given to me by a contractor that’s trying to give dirt away? i’m looking to backfill my yard and would just need to test that soil.
I did a ph test in my front and back yards with this kit. Ph is in the right range in both. But low traces of phosphorus and no traces of nitrogen in either. Haven’t done potassium yet. What ratio would you recommend I do when the grass starts growing? Planning on using milorganite for granular and super juice for liquid fertilizer
Good video-just subscribed to your channel. Would be helpful if you filmed yourself actually taking the soil sample. How deep into your soil do you take the sample? We had our yard re-sodded last year and are working to re-establish. The top soil is relatively thin before we hit clay. How far down do you go for your samples?
Nice approach to the rudder problem. Can't wait to see the aerodynamic effect. How did you manage the wing tip CA without getting your finger attached?
Are you talking about pH test devices? Or are you talking about soil elements and amendments and structure test devices? pH devices are a dime a dozen.
9:05 you can use distilled water so it will not affect the pH of the soil. Because distilled water has zero pH. P.s I use distilled water to calibrate refractometer (device to measure pH of liquids)
