Collecting a Single Soil Sample

Step 1: Identify an area to take your soil sample.

Step 2: Collect Soil - For a large area, collect soil from 5-10 random spots in that area.

For a small area, collect soil from 3 random spots.

Note: For garden areas collect all soil from 6-8 inches below the surface.

For non-garden/play areas collect all soil from 1-2 inches below the surface.

Step 3: Combine soil and mix well in clean container.

Step 4: Remove pebbles, rocks, twigs, and roots, then air dry. 

Note: Do not use a flame, oven or hairdryer to dry the soil.

Step 5: Transfer 1 - 2 cups of the mixed soil into a clean one-quart zip top plastic bag.

Note: For more than one sample, repeat steps 1-5. Clean your container between samples.

Limit of 3 sample bags/person.  Samples for screening only.  Must be turned in by 3 pm for time to process.