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Expanding backyard vegetable garden #946796

Asked October 09, 2026, 11:03 AM EDT

I want to convert some of my lawn to expand the size of my vegetable garden. I have compact soil with some clay. Is there a soil testing service to help me decide how best to do this? Should I remove the sod or smother it? Do you have suggestions on getting compost and or garden soil to add?

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good time to start your planning.   UMN has web excellent soil test lab - follow the directions for taking a soil sample and getting it to the lab here :Welcome to the Soil Testing Laboratory | Soil Testing Laboratory https://share.google/a7chvt6VKvXYtuRrQ. Identify on the form that you want the soil tested for a garden.   You'll get information about nutrients and soil amendments.   


As far as how to remove the turf.  Solarization would be far better than occultation, but that would take a long,  full season to accomplish in MN.   You could just take off the sod with a sod cutter.  For other ideas, the Zerxes society has great suggestions:Organic Site Preparation for Wildflower Establishment | Xerces Society https://share.google/gFTfxE3WbxyaS8k9g

Kim Sullivan Replied October 09, 2026, 11:22 AM EDT

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