Whether you’re starting a new garden, planting a lawn, or just trying to improve your plants’ health, understanding your soil is essential. But here’s the good news: you don’t need fancy lab equipment or an agronomy degree to figure out what your soil needs.
With a few basic household items, you can perform simple soil tests at home that give you valuable insights into texture, drainage, pH, and more. Let’s dig in (pun intended!) to five DIY soil tests you can do today.
1. The Squeeze Test — Determine Soil Texture
Purpose: To figure out if your soil is sandy, loamy, or clay-based.
What You Need:
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A handful of moist soil (not wet or crumbly dry)
How To Do It:
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Scoop up some soil from 4–6 inches below the surface.
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Moisten it slightly until it’s like dough.
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Squeeze it in your hand and open your palm.
What You’re Looking For:
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Sandy Soil: Crumbles immediately, feels gritty.
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Clay Soil: Holds its shape, feels sticky, can be molded.
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Loamy Soil: Holds shape but crumbles with a poke — this is the gold standard for gardening.
Why It Matters: Soil texture affects water retention and root penetration. Sandy soils drain fast but don’t hold nutrients. Clay soils retain nutrients but can suffocate roots if compacted. Loam is the perfect middle ground.
2. The Jar Test — Analyze Soil Composition
Purpose: To see the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in your soil.
What You Need:
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A clear glass jar with a lid (like a Mason jar)
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Water
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Dish soap
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Soil sample (free of debris)
How To Do It:
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Fill the jar 1/3 full with your soil sample.
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Add water until the jar is nearly full.
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Add a teaspoon of dish soap (helps separate particles).
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Shake vigorously for 1–2 minutes.
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Let the jar sit undisturbed for 24 hours.
What You’re Looking For:
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After settling:
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Bottom layer = sand
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Middle layer = silt
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Top layer = clay
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Measure each layer and calculate percentages.
Why It Matters: Understanding composition helps you manage drainage and fertility. For example, if your soil is clay-heavy, you may need to aerate or amend with organic matter.
3. The Drainage Test — Check for Water Retention Problems
Purpose: To see how well your soil drains.
What You Need:
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A shovel
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Water
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Ruler or measuring tape
How To Do It:
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Dig a hole about 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide.
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Fill it completely with water and let it drain (this saturates the surrounding soil).
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Fill it again with water and time how long it takes to drain completely.
What You’re Looking For:
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Well-draining soil: Water drains in 1–2 hours.
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Poor drainage: Water takes more than 4 hours to drain.
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Very fast drainage: Water disappears in under 30 minutes — may indicate sandy soil.
Why It Matters: Poor drainage can lead to root rot and fungal issues. Very fast drainage may mean your soil doesn’t hold moisture or nutrients well.
4. The Vinegar & Baking Soda Test — Estimate Soil pH
Purpose: To get a rough idea if your soil is acidic or alkaline.
What You Need:
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2 containers
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2 samples of soil (about 1/4 cup each)
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White vinegar
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Baking soda
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Water
How To Do It:
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Test 1 (for alkalinity): Add vinegar to one soil sample.
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Fizz = Alkaline soil (pH above 7)
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Test 2 (for acidity): Add water to the second sample to make mud, then sprinkle baking soda on top.
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Fizz = Acidic soil (pH below 7)
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What You’re Looking For:
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If neither reacts: Soil is likely neutral or near pH 7.
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This is a rough guide — for exact pH, consider a digital soil pH tester or professional lab test.
Why It Matters: Soil pH affects nutrient availability. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
5. The Earthworm Count — Gauge Soil Life and Health
Purpose: To assess the biological activity and organic matter in your soil.
What You Need:
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A shovel or trowel
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A 12×12 inch patch of garden soil
How To Do It:
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Dig a hole about 6 inches deep and inspect the soil.
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Sift through it for earthworms.
What You’re Looking For:
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5 or more worms in this size sample = healthy soil.
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Few to no worms = low organic matter or poor conditions for soil life.
Why It Matters: Earthworms aerate soil and break down organic matter, releasing nutrients. No worms? It’s a red flag that your soil might be too compacted, too dry, or lacking organic material.
Bonus Tips: Improve Your Soil Naturally
Once you’ve tested your soil, you can take steps to amend it. Here are some quick fixes:
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Add compost: Boosts nutrients and improves structure.
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Mulch regularly: Conserves moisture and adds organic matter.
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Use cover crops: Prevent erosion and add nutrients.
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Adjust pH:
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Too acidic? Add garden lime.
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Too alkaline? Add sulfur or peat moss.
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Final Thoughts
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. These simple, science-backed tests can give you surprising insights into what’s happening underground — and best of all, they cost next to nothing and take just a little time. Whether you’re a beginner or a green-thumb pro, doing these tests once or twice a year can help you grow stronger, happier plants.