Bargain Quest

We’re wafflers when it comes to lawn care. Every year, September finds us debating whether it’s worth attempting to grow/maintain our mostly-shady front yard. Until now, the final verdict has either been “no” by default or a very half-hearted “yes.” This year, however, we’ve decided we’ll make an effort to properly aerate, fertilize and plant seed.

(For your viewing enjoyment, here’s a photo of one section of our yard. Pretty pathetic. It’s not all this bad, but it’s close)

Therefore, in the interest of “doing things right,” I’m ordering two soil tests to give us a more accurate picture of how we should handle our particular situation. In Virginia, the Virginia Tech branch of the VA Cooperative Extension will provide soil sample analysis for the reasonable fee of $7 a sample. I just had to pick up approved sample boxes from the local library or county Extension Office, and pay postage.

And as it works out, I’m getting both samples analyzed for free. Apparently, the Henrico Extension Office provides vouchers for up to 2 free soil tests per county resident, as an incentive program to residents to avoid overfertilization and associated runoff problems through accurate testing. This is only a relevant tip if you live in Henrico County, but I’m sure lots of other localities sponsor similar offers. Additionally, the branches of the Virginia Cooperative Extension provide a number of other free/cheap resources and programs for better lawn care and gardening, which you can learn about by just giving your local office a call.

Verdant, lush lawn, here we come!… maybe