By mid-spring, when the ground has thawed, tree buds burst, and early blooms bring the first bit of color, this is the perfect time to literally dig beneath your feet to check on your landscape’s foundation: the health of your soil.

Whether it’s a flower bed, vegetable garden, small stand of trees and shrubs, or lawn, a healthy soil should be free of compaction, pesticides and other toxins, salt buildup, and excessive erosion. It should also contain enough organic matter and nutrients, in proper balance, to support a large and active community of organisms: from worms and insects, to the countless microscopic creatures, bacteria, and fungi that make it alive and vibrant.

This balance promotes vegetation growth, limits disease and pathogens, introduces more oxygen (aerobic), and creates better soil structure. A compliment to the mantra: right place, right plant could be right soil. But how do you tell if you have the right balance?

Soil testing provides the essential information. A standard soil test is used to determine soil pH (acidity/alkalinity); the percentage of organic matter in the soil; and any nutrient or mineral deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances. But don’t be intimidated. Taking a soil sample is not difficult nor does it require special tools.

The Analytical Laboratory and Maine Soil Testing Service in Orono has an extensive resource page, including a video, on how to take a sample and how to read the report (see “extension.umaine.edu/publications/2286e”). You can request a test via any Extension Office either on-line through “umaine.edu/soiltestinglab” or by calling 207-581-3591.

Soil test kits can also be picked up seven days a week in the lobby of the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension office at 75 Clearwater Drive in Falmouth (207-781-6099).

To collect a soil sample, you’ll need no more than a clean plastic bucket or ziplock bag, a trowel, and the soil test kit (that includes a form and a box). You’ll want to collect several samples throughout your site and conduct separate tests for each vegetation type (e.g., the vegetable garden, the lawn, the perennial bed, around a tree, etc.)

Dig straight down (not at an angle) to a sampling depth of 3 – 4 inches for lawns, 12 inches for trees, and 8 inches for all others (gardens, perennial beds, etc.). Once your samples are collected you will mix the selection in your bucket and pack the soil kit box to be shipped to Orono.

On your form you can indicate organic recommendations. While there is time and effort involved in this process, and lab fees to pay as well, the knowledge gained is invaluable. Once you get your report back you will see results for lead, pH levels (typical optimum pH levels for lawns is 6.0, 6.5 for vegetables and perennials, 5.5 for conifers, and 6.0 for shrubs and deciduous trees), and recommendations for soil amendments.

Organic soil amendments are soil building and don’t just feed the plants, but also sustain the community that comprises the soil as well. Manure, compost, and blended organic fertilizers will be broken down by the active organisms in the soil to provide the nutrients the plants need. And an increase in organic matter will benefit nutrient recycling, water retention, balanced materials and a buffered pH, the solid foundation of a healthy soil.

After performing an initial soil test, it is advised to retest every three years thereafter. Happy digging.

Note: Our Sustainable City is a recurring column in the Sentry intended to provide residents with news and information about sustainability initiatives in South Portland. Follow the Sustainability Office on Instagram and Facebook @soposustainability.

Addy Smith-Reiman is executive director of the Portland Society for Architecture and a Landcare Management Advisory Committee member.

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