What Is a Good Test for Top Soil?

Simple Soil Test

• Take a handful of dry soil from the garden and try to crush it. Ideally, the dry soil will crumble easily, giving an indication of high organic matter content. If the dry soil fails to crumble, it indicates the presence of high levels of clay content or low organic matter.

Wet Soil Test

• Wet a small sample of soil and hold it in the palm of your hand. Rub the soil with the finger of your other hand to check its content. If the soil has a gritty texture, it will have high sand content. Smooth-textured soil indicates high silt levels, while a sticky feel to the soil shows it has high clay content.

Soil Color

• Light colored soil indicates a low organic content, and dark brown or even black soils are preferred. If your soil has a light to white color, it indicates the presence of high levels of salts or lime. A white crust to your top soil is also an indication of high salt levels.

pH Tests

• Carry out a simple pH test on several samples of soil from different areas of the garden to get an indication of whether your soil is mainly neutral, acidic or alkaline. Buy a soil pH home testing kit or send samples of soil to the laboratory for more in-depth results. This gives you an idea of the type of flowers, plants and trees likely to survive best in your normal garden soil conditions.

Taking a Soil Sample

• You'll need to take multiple soil samples if you decide to send soil to the laboratory for testing. Use a trowel or sharp spade to take thin, vertical slices out of the soil. If you plan to plant a lawn, take 10 or more samples from the top 3 to 4 inches. If you plan to plant vegetables, flowers or fruits, take 10 or more samples from the top 6 to 8 inches of soil. Take three or four samples from the top 10 to 12 inches of soil if you plan to plant trees.