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Soil Report: Vegetable vs. Flower Garden? #877604

Asked July 17, 2024, 11:39 AM EDT

I requested and received a soil report recently, but when I was filling out the form, I thought I was going to be putting in a vegetable garden at the site. I have since decided to put in flowers instead and am wondering whether and how the recommendations would be different with this goal in mind? Is it possible to request a new analysis based on the previous data, or would I need to submit a new sample? Thank you in advance for any information!

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Kim,

I don't think that you need a new soil test. I wouldn't change the recommendations because you want to put in flowers. 

However, if you want to put in something like native plants, you might not have to use any fertilizer. Many of our native plants are adapted to "lean" soils. You can use the UM Herbarium website https://www.michiganflora.net/ to find plants native to the county and read descriptions of their native habitat. It might help you find native plants suited to your soil type. Plants like New England asters and Canada goldenrod and common milkweed would probably be very happy in your garden with no soil amendments. 

However, if you want to plant something like dahlias or roses, fertilizer will definitely be on order. For plants that are "heavy feeders", you will want to follow the recommendations on the soil test. 

Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers) Replied July 22, 2024, 11:35 AM EDT
Dear Lindsey, 

Thank you so much for this reply!!! 

Best,
Kim 






On Mon, Jul 22, 2024 at 11:35 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 11:59 AM EDT

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