by Sherry Christensen, Stake Relief Society Temporal Welfare and Self-Reliance
Specialist

Have you ever done a soil test for your garden? This is the first step to planning your garden
layout for the year. The most ideal time to do so is in the fall, but it is still possible to do it in
early spring after the snow has melted – before planting any seeds in your garden or in a
greenhouse. Because different plants flourish at different pH levels, knowing the pH level of
your soil provides you with the information you need to create a healthy soil environment for
your plants, leading to maximum plant growth. A soil test measures the pH level and
identifies any nutrient deficiencies in your soil.

Here are 3 sources for getting your soil tested:
1) Contact the local county extensions office: 01 South Main, room 30, in Brigham City,
open from 8 am to 5 pm, 435-695-2542 (ann.henderson@usu.edu)
2) Contact the USU extension: extension.usu.edu/box elder/
This website has a calendar full of classes to help you get started plus a variety of other
classes not related to gardening
3) Contact UMASS (University of Massachusetts Amherst): when you mail in a one cup dry
soil sample, they will return an analysis, but you need to follow their instructions:
https://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory/orderinginformation-forms

Coming later this month: Diabetes Cook Along – Diabetes Plate Method –
Chipotle Burrito Bowls

Tuesday, February 28, 6-7 pm, Location: virtual (see #2 above for extension address)
Each week we will talk about a different concept related to diabetes to help you better manage
your diabetes symptoms. We will also make a diabetes-appropriate meal together during class.
We will send you a shopping list and recipe before the class so that you can be prepared to cook
along with us during the live class, or cook along later with the recording link we will send you.

Coming in March (see USU calendar): (see #2 above for extension address)

Tuesday, March 7, 6-7 pm Diabetes Cook Along – Carbohydrates – Noodle Stir Fry
179 North Main #109, Logan, UT
Tuesday, March 14, 6-7 pm Diabetes Cook Along – Protein and Glucose Control –
Italian Chicken Foil Dinner Virtual (see #2 above for extension address)
Tuesday, March 21, 6-7 pm Diabetes Cook Along – Diabetes and Body Weight – Sheet
Pan Bake Virtual (see #2 above for extension address)