How to Sample and Test Soil

Take the Soil Samples

• 1

  Clean and dry the tools you will be using for taking your soil samples, using household cleaner.

• 2

  Select 10 separate locations within your garden to take soil samples. Remove any mulch from each location to reach the surface of the soil.

• 3

  Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep at a location chosen in Step 2, using a soil probe or bulb planter. Remove the tool from the ground and release the core sample into the plastic bucket. Repeat this step for the remaining preselected locations in the garden.

• 4

  Mix the samples together thoroughly in the bucket, using a garden shovel. Remove any rocks, plant material and debris.

• 5

  Thoroughly mix one part of your soil sample with five parts of the distilled water in the plastic cup or jar with lid, shaking or stirring it with the paint stirrer for at least one minute. Leave the mixture untouched for 30 minutes or longer, until it settles completely.

Test the Soil Samples

• 6

  Draw liquid from the cup or jar, using the dropper included with the test kit. Do not disturb the sediment, making sure to include only liquid in the dropper.

• 7

  Fill the test chamber with liquid from the dropper, up to the fill line marked on the chamber.

• 8

  Add the reactive agent to the liquid in the test chamber for the first test you wish to conduct.

• 9

  Place the cap on the test chamber and shake it thoroughly. Wait the time recommended in the kit instructions to allow the color to develop.

• 10

  Compare the color of the solution to the color on the color-coded chart, which corresponds to the nutrient test you are conducting.

• 11

  Repeat the steps in this section to perform the remaining nutrient tests.

• 12

  Wash the test equipment thoroughly with household cleaner and allow it to dry before storing it away for future testing.

• 13

  Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to determine what amendments are recommended for your soil based on the results of your tests.