Ben Blackmore wrote:

Hi,

I've been reading posts in the group about trying to get clay soil in a
better condition.

Most people seem to be at the general consensus that you need to add gypsum,
peat moss and sand, along with other organic material. But someone mentioned
that before you go adding too much stuff to it, you should get the soil
tested for ph balance, to make sure you don't make a bad problem worse! My
question is...how do you test the soil? I'm fairly knew to gardening in
general, I used to just potter around at home with my parents, however now I
have my own place, with very very thick clay soil!

Testing is usually done by professionals from a sample (or better,
multiple samples) you provide. The samples are generally small,
less than a trowel-full. Ask about testing services at your local
nursery. In some areas, the county or state agricultural services
do this.

--

David E. Ross
http://www.rossde.com/

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