Soil Sampling for Gardens, Fields & Lawns
Test your soil so you will know what it needs. Soil testing is free and easy. Come by our office to pick up a soil kit (at no charge). Collect the soil samples, package them in the kit, and send it off to Raleigh. The NCDA&CS Agronomic Division Soil Testing Section analyzes soil for its nutrient content and for properties that affect plant growth. There is no fee charged per soil sample box between April 1st and Thanksgiving. Between December 1st and March 31st, there is a $4.00 sample fee charged per soil sample box.
Soil testing fosters plant growth by providing optimal lime and fertilizer recommendations, diagnoses common nutrient deficiencies or toxicities, and promotes environmental quality. When following recommended guidelines for fertilization, nutrient runoff into surface or ground water is minimized, money is saved and natural resources are conserved.
Collect soil samples several months before initiating any new landscaping - whether it be laying sod, starting a vegetable garden, planting trees/shrubs, or putting in a flower bed. If the soil report recommends lime, apply it as soon as possible so it has sufficient time to adjust soil pH before planting.
We have soil probes available to borrow with a deposit of $70.00. This deposit will be refunded when the soil probe is returned to our office.