Horticulture Information and Classes
Visit the UW-Extension Horticulture Page for the latest information on webinars and classes. Visit https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/
New to Gardening? Check out our New Gardener Resources to get your Wisconsin garden started quickly and easily.
Master Gardener Information
To learn more about the Master Gardener Program, visit: https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/
Ask A Gardening Question
Looking for an expert to advice on your garden questions? Please click on the link to complete a series of questions, attach relevant photographs concerning your garden issues. Your inquiry will be responded to by an Extension staff member or a Master Gardener Volunteer in your area. Thank you for visiting the Wisconsin Horticulture website. Ask a Gardening Question
Soil Testing Information for Homeowners
RESIDENTIAL SAMPLES: HOW TO SUBMIT A SOIL SAMPLE:
- Make sure your sample bag has 1.5-2 cups of soil in it. Label the bag with your name, type of garden, and what is growing in it.
- Fill out the Lawn and Garden Submission Form
- $15.00 (per sample). Enclose check payable to “Soil & Forage Analysis Laboratory.” If you prefer, you can charge it to your credit card by filling out the payment information on the Lawn and Garden Submission Form. The Douglas County Extension office no longer mails samples.
- Mail to: (note the new address)
Soil & Forage Analysis Lab
4702 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
Agriculture Workshops/Classes & Notes
Visit the https://extension.wisc.edu/agriculture/ webpage for more information on crops, soils, dairy, farm management, WI horticulture, livestock and more. You will also find current statewide Zoom classes being offered, and scroll down the page to find upcoming events.
Soil and Forage Testing for Farmers
Soil Testing: You can pull samples any time after the ground is thawed to 9 inches. Remember, 2 Cups of soil pulled from 10 random pulls on a uniform 10-5 acre field is a reasonable sample for analysis. Note that you now send samples to the Madison lab for analysis. See: University of Wisconsin Soil Test Lab website at https://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/ for more information. Here is a PDF of the submission form: https://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/02/RFS-1-22.pdf.
Forage Testing: Ashley Vande Voort (ashley.vandevoort@douglascountywi.org) has a probe and cordless drill from Amnicon Farmers Union for taking forage samples. Pull 10 – 20 cores from one hay lot. Is it time to take a soil test? It is recommended that your agricultural fields have their soils sampled and tested once every 3-4 years. Soil testing is the basis for sound hayland and cropland management on your farm. For relatively little cost, you can achieve substantial information. Knowing your soil’s fertility can protect you from over or under fertilizing and saving money for your operation. Plan to pull samples for this year’s crop after first cut. Are you at the appropriate Relative Feed Quality this year? (Dairy-150, Beef- 120-135) Note: Organic Valley producers are in for a premium if they can produce exclusively on grass. KNOW your RFQ so you can reach that market.
Extra: Soil Sampling Instructions
