How to Take a Soil Sample for Accurate Lawn and Garden Testing A Step-by-Step Guide with MySoil

How to Take a Soil Sample for Accurate Lawn and Garden Testing

A Step-by-Step Guide with MySoil

Accurate soil testing starts with a proper soil sample. Whether you’re looking to boost your lawn’s health or maximize your garden’s productivity, following the right sampling method ensures you get reliable results and actionable fertilizer recommendations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for collecting a representative soil sample using the MySoil Soil Test Kit.

Want to watch instead? Here’s a link to a demonstration on the SoiLab YouTube channel:  How To Take a Soil Sample With MySoil

Why Proper Soil Sampling Matters

Soil test results are only as good as the sample you send. A well-collected, representative sample reflects the true nutrient status of your soil, allowing you to make informed decisions about fertilization, pH adjustment, and soil amendments. Skipping steps or using the wrong tools can lead to misleading results and wasted resources.

Tools for Soil Sampling

• Small Stainless Steel Soil Probe (Recommended for Lawns & Gardens)
• Large Soil Probe (For loose soils or large garden areas)
• Garden Trowel (Alternative for garden beds)
• Plastic bucket or clean container for mixing
• MySoil Soil Test Kit

Step-by-Step: How to Collect a Soil Sample

1. Select the Right Tool

• For lawns, use a small-diameter stainless steel probe (like the MySoil Probe) to minimize disturbance and collect consistent cores.
• For gardens and raised beds, a small probe or a trowel can be used. Probes are less disruptive, especially for in-season sampling.
• Avoid the use of any rusted buckets or galvanized buckets or sampling tools as this could potentially lead to iron or zinc contamination and effect your fertilizer recommendations.

2. Sample at the Correct Depth

• Always sample to a depth of 6 inches-the root zone where most nutrients are concentrated.
• Consistent depth is crucial. Shallow samples can overestimate nutrient levels, while deeper samples may dilute results.

3. Take Multiple Subsamples

• Collect at minimum 5–7 subsamples from random locations in your lawn or garden (Our staff scientist prefers 10–12 for the best representation).
• Avoid edges, areas near sidewalks, driveways, or recently fertilized spots.
• Use a zigzag pattern to ensure random, unbiased sampling.

4. Combine and Mix Subsamples

• Place all subsamples in a clean bucket or the box provided with your MySoil kit.
• Remove large debris, grass, or thatch.
• Mix thoroughly to create a uniform composite sample.

5. Prepare the Sample for Mailing

• Take one level scoop of the mixed soil and add it to the MySoil jar containing the ion exchange resin capsule (do not remove the liquid).
• Avoid compacting the soil-just a level scoop is sufficient.
• Cap the jar, place it in the prepaid mailer, and send it to the MySoil lab.

6. Special Tips for Garden Beds

• When using a trowel, insert at a slight angle and try to collect a uniform slice to the proper depth.
• If sampling in-season (with plants growing), a probe is less disruptive than a trowel.
• Always composite multiple subsamples for accuracy.

Why Choose the MySoil Soil Test Kit?

• Precision: Designed for home gardeners and lawn enthusiasts, the MySoil kit provides clear, actionable results.
• Convenience: Includes everything you need, from sampling tools to prepaid mailer.
• Expert Recommendations: Your results come with tailored fertilizer and amendment advice based on your soil’s actual needs.

When to Soil Test?

Early spring is a very popular time to soil sample and soil test.  Fall is also a popular time, either after harvest or well after your last fertilizer application in the lawn.  Ultimately, we think a soil test is appropriate when you want guidance, or if you are troubleshooting plants that lack the health you desire in them.

Final Thoughts

Proper soil sampling is the foundation of successful lawn and garden care. By following these steps and using the MySoil Soil Test Kit, you’ll ensure your soil test results are accurate and your fertilization strategy is on target. For more tips and to order your kit, visit MySoilTesting.com.

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