Don't buy what you don't need: how-to test soil

Save money on lawn maintenance by not buying what you don't need. You could just not buy anything at all and save a lot of money, but then the yard ends up looking like garbage (ask me how I know!). Why spend $25 a bag for high phosphorus fertilizer, if your lawn has plenty of phosphorus and not enough nitrogen?

Find out what your picky lawn wants by doing a soil test. Simple kits can be bought at any nursery or big-box-store for about $4.

Put soil into the "test tubes", add water and let it settle. The lines on the package will tell you (sort of) where you are at.

Unfortunately, these kits offer only very basic information. It will give you a general idea on the soil nutrient levels, and the ph (acid/alkaline level).

For a more detailed look, local extension offices can do a detailed examination of your soil for $10. The Oklahoma County office website is here. It is located at OCU-OKC, in the western part of downtown on Portland Ave.

Directions are on the website, but I will list an abbreviated version here.

1. Grab a bucket and small shovel.

2. Take about 10 to 15 samples, digging down to about 6 inches.

3. Mix in bucket, then take out about 2 cups worth.

4. Take to extension office.

The extension office will take your sample (and your money) and mail it (your soil, not the money) to the soil lab up at OSU. (yes, i stole their pics)

They will poke and prod, do some alchemy & magic, and in about 2 weeks you'll get a printout mailed to you. It will be several pages detailing a macro & micro nutrient breakdown, and recommendations on how to improve the soil.
From here you'll be able to buy the appropriate fertilizer, saving money & the lawn. Mine is in progress, I'll post up the results when I get them back.