Spring is finally here! And it's time to start getting our gardens prepared for planting. The first thing we need to do is to prepare our soil. But do you even know what's in your soil? Are there toxins and contaminants in your soil? Not knowing if there are dangerous levels of toxins in your soil can turn a healthy activity like gardening into a medical nightmare!!
 
SOIL TESTING: For a limited time, we will be offering our soil testing services. Our soil testing provides information on toxins as well as some important nutrients in your soil. Soil testing will provide data on:
Toxins:
Lead
Arsenic
Mercury
Chromium
 
Nutrients:
Calcium
Manganese
Iron
Nickel
Copper
Zinc
 
You can get your soil tested by mailing your soil sample to:
Free Haven Farms
105 Williams Street
Lawnside, NJ 08045
 
To collect your soil sample, take 8-12 subsamples of the area you plan to grow in, to get a representative reading. Collect the top 3 inches of soil using a hand trowel or spade. Mix all of the samples thoroughly in a bucket or container. Take 1-2 cups of the mixed soil and place it in a sandwich-sized plastic bag. It is helpful to double the bag to prevent any spilling or leakage. Place the sample in a box or mail bag and mail the sample to the address above. Soil testing will take place the week of May 12th and results will be emailed by May 23rd. 
 
Soil samples will be accepted from now through May 5th. Samples must be received by May 5th in order to ensure that they will be analyzed during during the week of the May 12th. 
 
Soil Workshop: We will be hosting a soil workshop on Saturday, March 30th, 12-2pm EST at Free Haven Farms, located at 105 Williams Street, Lawnside, NJ 08045. We will have limited seats available. Participants will be able to bring their soil samples to be tested on-site and provided with instantaneous results. All participants will also receive a free gift of live plants to be able to take home and plant in their gardens. You will also learn all about soil science from our expert, Dr. Cynthia Hall, as well as participate in hands-on soil-building activities on the farm. You won't want to miss it!!
 
Virtual Workshop: If you are not local to New Jersey then you can attend the workshop virtually. We will be live-streaming the event as well. You will receive the link to access the event on the morning of the workshop. You can also bundle the soil testing and virtual workshop to save money $$.