How to collect a soil sample:

Since only a small portion of soil is used, it is important that the sample represent the whole area. 

For a Basic Soil Test: 

IDENTIFY WHERE YOU WILL SAMPLE
Your front yard, flower bed, garden, pasture, field, back yard, etc.


You will want to collect 5-10 samples (plugs) for every 1/2 acre or site area
At each plug site remove surface debris, such as plant residues, mulch or turf thatch, from the soil before inserting the soil probe, spade, or trowel.


Collect plugs from 6-8" deep for gardens and flower beds.  Gather plugs from between rows to avoid fertilizer bands.

Collect plugs from 8-12" deep for tree root zones.

Mix all of the plugs together in a clean pail or bucket to get your representative sample or "average" soil for your site.

If you are targeting a problem area, you can restrict your sampling to the problem area only.

Note: Sample front and back yard separately if they have been managed differently or contain different types of fill soil.

Dry samples at room temperature. (Do not use artificial heat.)

Break up any lumps and remove all stones, debris, grass, etc. When dry, mix well and eliminate clumps.

Bring 2 cups of soil to the SWCD in a clean container for testing.




Watch the video below too see how to collect a soil sample.