From the Ground Up

Your Soil Doesn't Need a Fix — It Needs a Jar Test

Before you buy compost, gypsum, or anything in a bag, find out what's actually in your ground. A simple jar test costs nothing, takes 48 hours, and reveals your soil's sand, silt, and clay percentages with enough accuracy to guide real decisions. I've done this in every bed I've ever planted — from the sandy loam along the Maine coast to the heavy clay in my Dorchester backyard. Most gardeners in New England don't need more amendments. They need to stop guessing. This article walks you through the test step by step, shows you how to read the results, and explains what to actually do once you know your soil texture