UGA Cooperative Extension

Chatham County Extension Office:
Agriculture & Natural Resources

SOIL TESTING

Soil Testing for Home Lawns, Gardens, and Wildlife Food Plots

Soils tests provide information on the soil’s actual nutrient status. Test results are used to determine the amount and kind of nutrients that should be added for the best growth of lawn, garden, and other types of plants.
soil testing link: http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/C896/C896.htm

A good soil sample should be representative of the area: Backyard, Front yard, shrubs, trees, etc.

Cost: $8.00 for each routine sample. Samples should be dropped off at the Chatham County Office at 124 Bull St. , Suite 120 or Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens, 2 Canebrake Rd.

If special analysis is needed be sure to contact your local county extension office.

Take soil from a minimum of 10 random locations in the sampled area(backyard) and mix together in a clean container.

For trees and shrubs, take soil from six to eight spots around the drop line of the plants and mix.

Be sure to scoop soil out of the bottom of the hole and place in a container. Make sure you have at least a 1 cup of soil, to get a good representative of the area.

Results will be mailed 2-3 weeks telling you what kind of fertilizer to use and when to use it, how much and more.

Soil can be tested any time during the year: however, be sure to sample well in advance of planting or spring greenup. This is important on areas where lime is likely to be needed.