What's Happening in Warwick, RI…

Gardeners and homeowners seeking insight into soil health will have multiple opportunities this year to receive professional guidance at no cost.

The University of Rhode Island Master Gardeners are offering complimentary, in-person soil analysis sessions designed to help residents better understand growing conditions for lawns, gardens, and landscaped areas.

The program runs monthly on the second Saturday, beginning in early spring and continuing through fall, concluding in October. Each session will allow participants to bring prepared soil samples for on-the-spot evaluation and interpretation by trained volunteers. August is excluded from the schedule, but all other months during the growing season are covered.

Attendees are encouraged to prepare samples in advance to ensure accurate results. Gardeners should gather small portions from several spots within the same planting area, focusing on the root zone. Once combined and dried, the soil can be submitted in a labeled bag indicating its source, such as lawn, vegetable bed, or ornamental planting.

The testing service is open to adults of all ages.

There is no admission fee or testing charge for this service. All soil evaluations are provided free of charge, with no tickets required. Advertising for programs like this may involve the use of poster printing.

The first clinic will be held on Saturday, March 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the Small Meeting Room at the Central Library, Sandy Lane, Warwick, Rhode Island. Subsequent sessions will continue through October 10.