(Question)
I would like to plant a blueberry bush. I understand that a low level PH is best. Can you please tell me where I can send a sample of soil to be tested? We have clay loam soil, full sun, good balance of wet and dry.
I live in King Township along the Humber River.
(Answer)
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food has an excellent factsheet on how to grow blueberries in the home gardens https://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/90-046.htm . You will find a lot of very useful information in this factsheet.
As for your specific question on where to get your soil tested, there are several possibilities depending on the level of detail and your concern about the existing soil.
- Simple soil testing kits to test the soil for pH, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can be purchased at any garden centre.
- The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has a list of accredited soil testing sources www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/resource/soillabs.htm
- In addition the City of Toronto Public Health Department has published an excellent Guide for Soil Testing in Urban Gardens. https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Guide-for-Soil-Testing-in-Urban-Gardens.pdf
I hope you have good luck and lots of blueberries this summer.