05/16/2026
Today I learned how to actually use this graph to get an accurate reading of the soil-in-a-jar test! Which I highly recommend everyone do at least once per garden. I let the jar sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours, which gives you a hint about how much clay needs to settle out in my sample.
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DO A FREE SOIL TEST
Understanding your soils make up is most important in understanding what your soil needs are. You can accomplish this by making a simple soil sample test.
The amount of soil you get is going to be directly related to the size of the container you have to put it in.
Choose about 1/3 volume of soil to the size of your container .
Make sure you get out all organic matter, twigs, green leafy material, and roots ๏ฟผ
Get out any rocks and gravel you zan and if you have to, you can put it thtough a strainer or seive . Some peoples soil may have fine gravel in it donโt sweat it.
Add 1/3 water๏ฟผ
Mix water with your soil sample to create a slurry and let it stand . If you have to add a little bit more water, go ahead and do it. Do not add more than 2/3 water.. you wonโt spoil the sample if you do but youโll run over on your table top and youโll have a mess to clean up . ๐
Allow your jar to set for a handful of hours, but I usually let mine set for a day. After it has settled, use a marker and mark the different layers of material.
Using a ruler, you could measure the depth of these layers. Then measure the overall set of layers.. with that youโll be able to figure out a rough percentage of material that makes up your soil. Iโve done this so many times I donโt even need a ruler. I can eyeball it.
Fortunately, for you and me , these different materials will all settle out in a natural predetermined layering system that you could read and understand
Use the soil texture triangle to estimate the soil type for the site.
The clay percentages are listed on the triangleโs left side. Lines corresponding to clay percentages extend from the percentages reading left to right (see red line).
The silt percentage is on the right side, with lines extending downwardly, diagonally from right to left (see green line).
The sand percentage is on the right side, with lines extending upwardly, diagonally from right to left (see blue line).
Track the lines with the percentages measured and find the spot on the triangle where all three lines intersect. The region where these lines intersect indicates the soil type present. The example shown represents a loam soil texture.
Clay is the smallest mineral component. These tiny flat particles fit closely together to create the greatest surface area of all soil types. Clay soil contains needed nutrients and also stores water well. So well in fact, that drainage is slow in clay soil. It is also the slowest to warm in the spring.
Sand makes up the largest particles in soil structure. These are rounded, rather than flat and allows for larger space between the particles. Water drains quickly from the soil that has a lot of sand and the nutrients drain faster too. If your soil is mostly sand the plants will need more water and fertilizer.
Silt represents the middle size pieces. It is made up of rock and mineral particles that are larger than clay but smaller than sand. Individual silt particles are so small that they are difficult to see. To be classified as silt, a particle must be less than .005 centimeters (.002 inches) across.
In addition Iโll put up a picture of the soil pyramid in the comment section
Youโll be able to save it and print it up
Youโve heard me say here for over a decade, knowing your soil is half the battle . ๏ฟผ Hereโs where you get into the front line.
Now for the very important message if you have kids or grandkids or neighbors kids do this experiment with them. ๏ฟผ let them get their hands on this and get their hands dirty. ๏ฟผ sure, you are going to be learning along the way, but they are too and science is an awesome thing to inspire kids with.
๏ฟผ this has been Mark Brown and thank you for reading my brain dribbles
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