Why Test Your Soil?  Plants need food (nutrients) for healthy growth. Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potash (N, P, and K for short) play a vital role in plant growth, just as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and protein do in our health. Plants also need the correct pH (acidity/alkilinity) level, which controls how well plants utilize the nutrients available in your soil. All plants have a pH preference, so it is important to know the pH of your soil. You can then choose plants with the same pH preferences, avoid those that will not do well in your soil, and know how to go about supplying their special growing needs. By testing your soil, you determine its exact condition so that you can fertilize and/or adjust pH more accurately, effectively and economically.