- 1). Take soil samples from various locations in your garden. Store the soil samples in labeled jars. Pay attention to the soil as you collect it. If the soil is tough and crumbles into dust easily, it probably needs water.
- 2). Lay the soil samples out on some paper towels so you can examine them in their entirety. Healthy soil should retain water under the surface. This means there should be at least some moisture deep in the soil even though the top may look rough and cracked.
- 3). Squeeze some of the soil sample in your hand. If the soil stays in a dusty pile and does not conform to the shape inside your fist, it is very dry. If the soil stays in the shape of the inside of your hand, it has sufficient water. You can confirm your findings by putting the soil back in the labeled jar after your initial examination. The paper towel should have some moisture stains and soil left if the soil is moist and healthy. For unhealthy soil that is too dry, only a thin layer of dust will remain on the paper towel.
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