UGA Cooperative Extension | Agriculture & Natural Resources

Lumpkin County Cooperative Extension Office:
Agriculture & Natural Resources

Note: All samples are mailed to the University of Georgia for testing.

Soil Test Cost: $6.00 + $2.00 postage - Total = $8.00 per bag
Step 1: First write name and address on soil bag and list the crop or plant you are wanting to grow in this soil. (Soil bags may be obtained from the Extension Office or you may bring soil in a sandwich bag)
Step 2: With a spade or trowel take a thin vertical slice or core of soil from at least 10 random locations in the area to be tested. Combine and mix thoroughly together, and fill the soil bag to the FILL LINE. Bring the soil bag to the Extension Office with a cash or check and the results will be mailed or emailed directly to your home. For lawns, sample to a depth of 4 inches. For home gardens, home landscape plants, fruit trees, and wildlife plots, sample to a depth of 6 inches. Areas where plants grow differently and/or the soil appears different should be sampled separately, the garden, general ornamental shrubs, and the home lawn.

Note: Testing for bacteria is performed by your local Health Department.

Basic Water Test for Minerals: $15.00 + $2.00 postage - Total =$17.00 (Free water sample bottles may be obtain from the Extension Office or you may use any uncontaminated container, such as a mason jar or empty water bottle)
Step 1: Take the first draw of water from the kitchen or bathroom cold water faucets. The sample should be collected after a minimum of 6 hours, but not more than 12 hour period during which time there was no water usage prior to the sampling. If the primary concern is the well pump, draw the water from as near the well head as possible.
There are several other water tests that can be performed. Please contact your Extension Office for more information on these tests.