Knowledgebase

Soil recommendations #927324

Asked April 02, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT

I am looking for free resources to provide recommendations based on my soil test results that are specific to what I plan to grow.

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello

You may call MSU Garden Hotline and speak with an MSU Extension master gardener about your specific questions on your test results. This free service is available Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 to Noon; <personal data hidden>

Here are some Extension publications that explain how to use your soil test results:

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/agf-0514

For lawns-
https://extension.usu.edu/agwastemanagement/files/FSUnderstandingYourSoilTestResults.pdf

For fruits and vegetables -

https://extension.umn.edu/nutrient-management-specialty-crops/interpreting-soil-tests-fruit-and-vegetable-crops

For flowers -

https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/suggested-fertilizer-practices-for-flowers/

Links to flowers, trees and shrubs, and vegetables at the bottom of this bulletin:

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/garden-fertilizer-basics/

To search for more Extension bulletins on specific plants you will grow, enter your search with a suffix of “site:edu” This will bring up University research-based publications you can rely on. Choose bulletins from areas near or in Michigan to best match weather conditions here in Michigan. Here are examples:

Fertilizing garden tomatoes site:edu

Or,

Growing and fertilizing garden flowers site:edu


MSU Extension has a Gardening website with helpful information for all garden plants

https://www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/tip_sheets/

Loading ...