Basics of Collecting A Soil Sample

Tools you will need:
  • Soil prob, spade or small shovel
  • Clean plastic container, pail or bucket
  • Soil Sample or paper bag(s)
  • Marker
 
​Gathering the sample(s)
  1. For every 1/2 acer collect 7-10 random soil plugs (this will make up 1 sample).
  2. Remove a soil plug that goes to the bottom of the plant roots: 3' for lawn and 6-7" for garden and other plants
  3. Make sure you do not include roots, thatch, plant material or other debris in the sample.
  4. Mix the 10 soil plugs (sub-samples together) to make up one sample. If soil is wet, spread out and let air dry at a minimum overnight.  If possible let dry a few days.
  5. Put 1 cup of dried, well-mixed soil inside a soil test bag or clean sealed container.
  6. Contact MCSWCD to make arrangements to drop off your sample(s).