To obtain a good lawn or gardent soil sample for testing, follow these directions.

Where to Take Soil Samples

Be sure the soil sample is representative of the entire lawn or garden by preparing a composite sample. You can do this by collecting small cores of soil from five locations in the sampling area, and then combining them into one sample.  Do not include soil from both a lawn and garden area in the same composite sample.

If you think your lawn or garden has large areas that differ in fertility, divide the area being sampled into two or more parts and prepare a composite sample from each part. With a lawn, take a composite sample from the front lawn and another from the back lawn. Or, take a composite sample from a shaded area and another from an open or sunny area.

How To Take Soil Samples

A garden trowel, small spade, or bulb planter is recommended.  Sample gardens to the depth of tillage, normally about 5 to 7 inches. Sample established lawns to the depth of 3 inches. Remove all grass and other materials from the composite sample and mix the soil thoroughly. Place one-half cup of soil into the soil sample bag.