Know your soil
Soil is vital for a water-wise yard
Soil naturally filters and stores water, helping remove pollutants as water moves through it. Understanding your soil type is key when designing a rain garden, as it affects how quickly water absorbs and which plants will thrive. Get to know your soil with testing.
Why you should test your soil
Save money, protect our water and help your plants thrive by understanding your soil composition.
Testing your soil reduces the need for pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers, saving you money and helping our environment. It’s the easiest way to know what your plants really need and what plants work best in your yard.
You can self-test your soil for a basic understanding of your soil type, or seek professional testing for a more detailed analysis.
Did you know?
- Chemical pesticides and herbicides harm beneficial insects.
- Fertilizer runoff adds excess nitrates to the soil, which can lead to algal blooms that damage aquatic life.
- The safest way to improve soil health is to add compost instead of chemicals.
How to test your soil
Self-testing soil
Use simple, on‑site soil tests to find out how much clay, sand, and silt are in the soil.
This approach works best when no fertilizers or other soil additives are planned and the main goal is to understand the soil’s basic makeup.
- Collect and moisten the soil
Scoop about one cup of soil into a container. Add a little water and mix until the soil is damp, but not muddy. You should be able to squeeze it into a ball that holds together.
If the soil won’t form a ball, it’s mostly sandy. Make a soil ribbon
Hold the soil ball in your hand and gently squeeze it between your thumb and index finger so the soil pushes out in a flat strip, or “ribbon” until it breaks.Check the ribbon length
The length of the ribbon gives a clue about soil type:- Less than 1 inch long indicates mostly silty soil
- More than 1 inch long indicates more clay in the soil
Feel the texture
Rub the ribbon between your fingers:- A gritty feeling indicates sandy soil
- A smooth or silky feeling means silty soil
- A sticky feeling is a sign of clay soil
Professional soil testing
County extension offices affiliated with Kansas State University and the University of Missouri offer professional soil testing.
Here are best practices for preparing soil for a professional test. Soil samples are best when collected in late summer or fall.
Collect soil samples
- Take 5 to 10 samples from the area you want to test (lawn or garden).
- Dig about 4–6 inches deep for each sample.
Mix and clean
- Combine the samples in your clean container.
- Remove any grass, roots, or debris from the mixture.
Air dry soil
- Let the mixed soil air-dry completely. Do not use heat or sunlight to speed it up.
Prepare for testing
- Place 1–2 cups of the dry soil into a resealable plastic bag.
- Label it with the location and intended use (e.g., lawn, vegetable garden).
- Deliver to the county extension program. See each site for details.
Interpreting results
Once you know your soil type and needs:
Improve your soil by adding natural materials like compost and mulch made from leaves or plants without seeds. In many cases, this simple step is all you need to create healthy soil that supports native plants.
- Plant adapted native plants suitable for your soil type. Consult with local nursery experts for the best fit.
