Every year on April 22, Earth Day inspires Floridians to get outside and give back to the planet—often with a shovel in hand. From planting flower beds to establishing native trees, we celebrate by trying to bring more nature into our yards. But before you begin digging, there is one crucial step many people skip: getting a soil test.
“People put a lot of care into choosing the right plants but often forget to ask the most basic question: Is my soil ready to support this?” says Franta Majs, Associate Scientist and Director of the UF/IFAS Analytical Services Laboratories (ANSERV Labs). “Without a soil test, you’re really planting blind.”
Why Soil Testing Matters
Soil is the foundation of any landscape. Yet in Florida, soil can vary widely—even from one yard to the next. Some are nutrient-poor, others may be too acidic or compacted for roots to thrive.
“A soil test reveals essential information about pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter,” explains Dr. Majs. “That helps homeowners make informed choices about fertilizers, soil amendments, and even what plants will thrive.”
Without this information, well-intentioned Earth Day plantings can lead to frustration. Plants may struggle or fail, and over-fertilization can contribute to runoff that harms our waterways.
Testing your soil isn’t difficult—or expensive. UF/IFAS ANSERV Labs, based on the UF campus in Gainesville, provides soil fertility testing services for homeowners, landscapers, and farmers alike. Its mission is to help Floridians build healthier soils and landscapes through science.
“We want people to succeed with their plantings—and to protect Florida’s unique ecosystems while doing it,” says Dr. Majs. “A soil test is one of the simplest and most effective tools for that.”
How to Get Started
Soil testing through UF/IFAS ANSERV Labs involves just a few easy steps:
- Collect a soil sample from the area where you plan to plant. (Instructions for collecting soil)
- Send it to ANSERV Labs with a completed form (available on its website or from your county Extension office).
- Receive your results and recommendations, tailored to your soil’s needs.
“Think of it as a health check-up for your yard,” Dr. Majs says. “It gives you the facts so you can make the best decisions for your plants and the environment.”
This Earth Day plant smart. Before you head to the nursery or garden center, consider testing your soil. It’s a small action that makes a big difference for your garden’s success and for the health of Florida’s environment.
For more information, visit the UF/IFAS ANSERV Labs website.
Featured image by Cat Wofford, UF/IFAS photography.
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