when to have soil tested

My tomatoes were terrible this year. I had plenty from 45+ plants but they were all sour. I want to test my soil but not sure if I should do that in late fall or spring. I think testing now would allow me time to amend over very early spring months.

None of my tomatoes were good and I had many varieties from different garden centers. The previous year the tomatoes were fine - not this year.
Kathy

I would like to know if there are any 'do-it-yourself' kits. went to the local botanical gardens (they have IFAS satellite), and they told me I had to mail a sample in to the state and it'd take a month to get the results, but I need help NOW....

ugh!

I personally would rather not use the store kits. I have no idea if they work but your county extension agent or a state university's soil lab will get it done. Here it is $15 for one soil sample to mark every thing. It should only take 5 or 6 days to get the results and all you do is get your dirt about 6 or 7 inches down and from about 4 spots in a certain area, mix the dirt all together so it's a combination of a 'plot' and put it in a ziplock bag - probally a quart will do. Take it to a lab.

That's what I'm doing and have the kits. I just need to find the kit and see if there's a better time of year to amend it.
Kathy

As far as WHEN - ASAP. The tests are for things that don't change a lot with temperature.

I agree that your local State Extension service is generally the best bet. They are relatively inexpensive and they make recommendations based on their knowledge of the soils in your area. That said, they generally do NOT test for some things you may want to know. Some tests are more expensive and don't get included in most standard tests. In Georgia (years ago) you would get FREE analysis of phosphorus, potassium, pH and "lime equivalent" (the amount of lime required to bring the soil pH up a given number of points - it was quite different depending on whether the soil was predominately clay from the Piedmont or sand from the Coastal Plain).

They would make Nitrogen recommendations based on the crop you intended to grow, but you could pay extra to test for the actual soil nitrogen content. It didn't always tell you anything important, though. Micronutrient analysis was also available at additional cost. It was generally assumed that for certain crops in certain areas, you either always or never needed to apply any, and then the micros were usually applied as sprays anyway, so soil content wasn't considered as important as the pH (which determines availability).

Hey, nobody said it was simple. There are people who earn PhD's in Soil Science, and I do mean "earn".

-Rich

I hear ya Rich. I want to get as much tested as possible. I'm not sure how much the Va Tech lab will test but the tomatoes were sour and I have to get this worked out. Not getting that much bang out of green beans either. Can I send my soil to you LOL?

I will get it prepared and ready this weekend. Cold as crap here.
Kathy

That would give them something to think about! I sure wish I had your warm temps. My oldest son is visiting Siesta Key Beach with his GF who will spend the holiday with her mom and grandparents. They just got to FL a few minutes ago. He will freeze when he gets back to VA.

Kathy