Simple Organics Test

This test is a really simple one.  All you have to do is gather a few simple tools such as: shovel, jar with lid and water.

Go out in your yard where you want to put your garden or where you have your garden.  Dig down about 6-8 inches (do not include any grass or soil from grass root areas).  Fill the jar half way with the soil.  Fill the rest of the way with water.  Shake vigorously.  Let sit overnight.

The soil should separate into distinct layers.  The bottom layer will be sand, since sand particles are the biggest and weigh the most.  The next layer should be silt, which is fine, slippery particles.  The third layer should be clay, which is very sticky. And, the top layer should show how much organics are in the soil.

If there are very few or no organics in the top layer, you definitely need to add some to your soil if you want to grow plants.  Without organics, your soil can't hold water or nutrients very well at all.