We have soil sampling kits available for check out to make soil sampling at home much easier. Each kit includes a small soil probe, clean plastic bucket, and instruction sheet. In addition to the kit you need a submission form and sample boxes which we also have available too. Once you check out our soil sampling kits, take it home, take your samples, and return it when you bring back your soil samples. Once you have returned the kit and your samples to the office, we will send them to the lab in Raleigh for testing. The typical turn around time varies in different parts of the year, but you can usually expect your results within 6 weeks. If you have any questions about your results, you can contact the office and Horticulture Agent, Grace Atkins will go over them with you.

Tips for Taking a Sample

Split your sampling area into sections of similar plants (e.g. front lawn, back lawn, flower beds, vegetable garden)

Come up with a 5 letter or less label that will help you determine which sample is which in your results (e.g. FRONT, BYARD, FLRBD, VEG)

Fill out the label on the soil boxes before you put them together and fill them. (It's easier to write on them while they are flat)

Take 8-10 cores randomly throughout the sampling area and mix the soil together.

Make sure the boxes are filled to the red line. (The lab will not process them, if there is not enough soil)

Ensure the paperwork is filled out properly, specifically the contact information portion.