Plants require nutrients to live and perform well in your landscape. Not all of these nutrients can be provided by the soil, and most plants will require additional fertilizing. Without these nutrients your plants become weak and susceptible to disease and insect problems. The best way to determine what additional nutrients are needed is to get a soil test. Pick up a soil test kit at The Garden Barn and mail it to the soil lab at UConn along with a check for $8. Results will be mailed to you after a few weeks.