Because healthy plants depend on healthy soil, getting a soil analysis is vital to identify nutrient deficiencies. Testing your soil in the spring gives ample time for amendment before planting.

Follow these basic steps to get your soil sample. Once you've received your results, review your report and apply the recommended fertilizers and amendments for the best possible soil health.

Decide which soil testing program you will use.

In Butler County, Penn State's test kits are available at the Extension Office at 101 Motor Pool Way. They are also available at the Saxonburg Agway and at Bakerstown Feed and Garden. Detailed instructions are included.

To begin, select the planting area to be analyzed.

Recommended areas for soil testing include plots for new vegetable and flower gardens and areas that produced poorly the previous season. You also can test lawns, perennial beds and shrubbery-growing areas. It's best to have separate soil samples and tests for each area where you will be growing different types of plants. Successful vegetable gardens require different nutrients than annual flower beds.

Prepare your supplies. You'll need a clean shovel or spade or a soil probe, garden gloves and a plastic bucket or paper bag. Supplies that are clean and free of fertilizer, soil and other contaminants assure an accurate soil analysis.

A soil probe is a specially made tool for extracting soil samples from the surrounding earth. Available for around $20 they can make collecting a large number of soil samples easier and faster.

Select a day when the soil is relatively dry. Randomly pick six to eight places within the selected area from which to choose samples. Scrape away any mulch, leaves or debris.

Use the shovel to dig a slice of earth about 4 to 6 inches in depth, or insert the soil probe to the same depth. Four to 6 inches is the depth you would till in soil amendments. Take a sample of the thin slice or remove the soil from the probe. Place that soil sample into your clean bucket. Repeat this process with the remaining random spots.

Take the bucket of soil samples and place the soil in a cardboard box or on sheets of newspaper. Remove stones, worms, insects and debris. Mix the soil, then spread it to dry.

Complete the soil test kit information. If using the Penn State soil test kit, select the page that best describes the planned use for your tested area. Place about one cup of dry soil in the provided test bag and seal the bag. Place the sealed bag and paperwork in the provided envelope. You'll need to add postage for mailing; the cost of the analysis is covered by the kit cost.

If you use Penn State Soil testing services, you'll get results via email or standard mail in about two weeks. You'll get an analysis of soil nutrient levels, recommendations for amendments, messages about applying recommended fertilizers and laboratory results.

The soil nutrient levels tested are the soil pH, phosphate, potash, magnesium and calcium. Based on the nutrient levels, you'll get a list of recommendations to bring your soil to the best possible health for your gardening purposes.

Next week's column will focus on interpreting and implementing the results of your soil sample.

For more information, call the Master Gardener Greenline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 229.