Why Winter Is the Perfect Time for a Soil Test

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(And How Our Soil Test Kits + UF Analysis Make It Easy!)

When winter rolls around in Florida, most people assume lawn care goes into hibernation. The grass slows down, the mowing schedule eases up, and it feels like there’s not much to do. But here’s the secret the pros know: winter is actually one of the best times of year to learn what your lawn really needs.

And it all starts with a simple soil test.

Why Test Your Soil in Winter?

1. Your Lawn Isn’t Growing—So You Can Plan Instead

During the cooler months, your grass takes a break. That makes winter the ideal time to focus on the foundation of your lawn instead of what’s happening on the surface because it's likely dormant.
A soil test gives you a snapshot of what’s going on beneath your feet—nutrients, pH levels, organic matter, and more. With that info in hand, you can plan your spring lawn care with confidence.

2. Get Ahead of Spring (No Guessing Required!)

Too many Floridians wait until their lawn starts greening up to think about fertilizer… and don't get us wrong, fertilizer is a great tool to utilize but it doesn't fix what's underneath the surface.
A winter soil test gives you the results early, so you can make any recommended adjustments—like balancing pH or adding missing nutrients—before the growing season kicks in.

3. University of Florida Analysis = Trusted Results

Our soil test kits are simple to use, and the samples get analyzed through the University of Florida.
That means you’re not getting a generic “one-size-fits-all” recommendation. You get science-backed results that are specific to Florida soils, so you know exactly what to apply (and what not to waste money on).

4. It Can Save You Money Next Year

Applying random products “just because it’s spring” to fix a lawn that's been resodded and failed multiple times is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make.
A soil test takes the guesswork—and the unnecessary spending—out of the equation. You’ll know exactly where the problems in your soil are, and just as importantly, what you don’t need to do.

5. It Sets Your Lawn Up for Its Best Spring Ever

A strong lawn begins with healthy soil. When you give your grass the right nutrients at the right time, it grows in thicker, greener, and more resilient once the temps warm up.
Winter is your window to prepare that foundation, and a soil test is step one.

Ready to Test Your Soil?

We carry easy, affordable soil test kits in-store at The Sod Lot. Just purchase one, follow the simple instructions, send in your sample, and UF does the rest!
By the time spring arrives, you’ll have everything you need to give your lawn exactly the right boost.

If you want personalized guidance once your results come in, we’re always happy to help!





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