Measures Of Candlewood's Soil Testing Program Underscore Its Success

Recent press articles have announced that Candlewood’s Soil Testing Program will again be offered this month to property owners throughout the Candlewood Lake Watershed. As a quick refresher, this Program has been fielded annually for the past 16 years by a set of 4 lake-related organizations and volunteers committed to protecting Candlewood Lake and allied waters. The Program promotes smart fertilizing practices and offers free, scientific testing of soil samples submitted by homeowners. The output of this process is the mailed delivery of a customized report to each participant analyzing nutrient content and providing specific recommendations to improve soil fertility and safe fertilizer application.

While one measure of success is the Program’s longevity over the years, another is the cumulative number of participants whose lawns and gardens have benefitted since inception (over 1,250). Beyond these quantitative measures, other favorable indicators are actual statements made by participants to our volunteers. Just last year, here’s a sampling of compliments worth sharing: “This initiative is the smartest thing I’ve heard of in a while”; “I haven’t done anything to improve my lawn in 56 years – now I realize it’s about time;” “This [Program] is brilliant!” “I took advantage of the [Program’s] Soil Test Lab last year and I couldn’t believe the results! I’m back for more.”

All residents considering fertilizing this Spring are encouraged to participate. To do so, simply access the Soil Testing instructions now posted on the Candlewood Lake Authority’s website: candlewoodlakeauthority.org/news. There, you will be guided on how to draw and label your soil samples, to then be enclosed in sealable plastic bags and mailed to the Soil Test Lab in New Haven for analysis, together with your contact info. It’s that easy -- and if you respond by April 26, you are assured of priority processing of your samples and receipt of your custom report of results by return mail in time for Spring applications. Enclosed with your report will be two added inserts: ‘Lawncare Tips’ and a special ‘Discount Coupon’ to be redeemed at one of our garden center sponsors.

The tagline descriptors, ‘Smart, Free and Easy,’ convey the essence of this year’s Soil Testing Program. Thanks in advance for considering and hopefully utilizing this public service to benefit your property, our shared environment and, importantly, our vulnerable, precious waters.