Soil Test Information
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Collapse ▲Don’t guess, soil test.
Any successful gardener in this area will tell you that the key to a beautiful lawn or garden starts with healthy soil. The only way to ensure your soil is healthy, however, is to conduct a soil test. Soil test results guide decisions like which type of fertilizer to use and whether or not to apply lime. Different types of plants have different pH and nutrient requirements. By soil testing, you can ensure you are applying the proper amounts for optimal growth of all your plants and reducing the amount of excess fertilizers that end up in our streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. Read more about the importance and value of taking a soil sample.
Who tests the soil and where do I get forms and boxes?
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Agronomic Division is based in Raleigh, NC, and processes thousands of soil samples each year in their state-of-the-art laboratory. Forms and soil boxes are available at your local county cooperative extension office. Once you have picked up your boxes, follow these sample collection instructions.
If you are testing soil from a home garden, you will need to download and fill out the homeowner submission form or submit online.
What does this soil test measure?
This soil test measures the pH and important nutrients in the soil, examining the essential components of the soil. These are the qualities that are most important for plant growth and soil health.
This test does not test for the presence of any pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, heavy metals, or many other pollutants. You can visit the Check Your Dirt NC website for information on testing for other pollutants in the soil.
How and when will I receive my soil test results?
Processing time varies based on the time of year, but is updated regularly. You can find your report as well as turnaround times for a particular type of sample on the PALS website.
Soil samples are free from April 1–November 30 every year. A peak season fee of $4 is in effect from December 1–March 31. Read more about sample fees.
What about testing my water?
Water testing can also be an important step in determining the health of your garden or irrigated area. The NCDA&CS Agronomic Services offers a solution analysis to check for nutrient and other parameters beneficial to growing plants.
Information regarding the testing (contaminants and bacteria) in well water can be found on the county website. The NCDA&CS does not test for contaminants and bacteria. Depending on your location, you may be able to find a report of your water quality published by your local municipality.
Learn more!
Once you have received your report, contact the Haywood Plant Clinic and we can help you interpret the results and make fertilizer recommendations that will meet your garden’s needs. We also offer home gardening classes that go deeper into soil sampling and soil amendments. Here is our current class list.