Free lawn, garden and agricultural soil testing

Have you ever wanted to find out what your soil needs in order to grow a better lawn, flowers, vegetables, trees or field crops? Do you need fertilizer? Do you need lime? If you have asked yourself these questions, then a soil test is the thing to do and the Washtenaw County Conservation District is offering free soil testing November 15th - 19th for Washtenaw County residents!

To participate, you will collect a soil sample, air dry it for a few days, place it in a clean plastic bag and label it, and bring it to Washtenaw County Conservation District office located at 705 N. Zeeb Rd, Suite 201 in Ann Arbor, the week of November 15-19th between 8 am-4:30 pm to drop off your sample with their staff.

Soil samples will be sent to the Michigan State University Soil Lab  Results will include current nutrient levels and lime and fertilizer recommendations, based upon what you want to grow. The results are returned directly to you by e-mail or mail.

Visit https://www.washtenawcd.org/ and click on “soil test drive” for information on how to take a soil sample and the soil testing form you can fill out ahead of time or call 734.302.8715, or email info@washtenawcd.org .

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.