Soil Testing

I went to the Intervale tonight to collect soil samples for analysis by UVM's soil lab. I took samples from each of the two half plots that I now use, even though they're next to each other. The soil tests are fairly inexpensive and I'd like to see how different the two sides are.

To collect a soil sample I wandered around each plot taking little pinches of soil and putting them in a bag. There was a mix of surface soil and some from a few inches down and it was all put into a ziploc bag and mixed up. This should give a pretty good average for each plot.

While I was there I used a fork to loosen the southeast quadrant of the garden. This will be the greens section and should get planted fairly soon. Maybe even this weekend!

Southeast quadrant with the soil loose and ready to go!

I also put down a thin strip of mulch between the lawn and the peas. It probably won't slow the quack grass down much but it'll make it easier to pull later on.

Peas!

The bamboo poles are where I planted peas. There's nothing up yet but it's still early. Tomorrow's rain should help!