TAKING SOIL SAMPLES

Does your soil have the necessary nutrients for a lush lawn and beautiful gardens? Do not guess about your lawn’s and gardens’ fertility—have your soil tested!

To get good soil samples first make sure your sampling tools are clean ;then take soil from a minimum of ten(10) random locations in the sample area and mix together in a clean container. For lawns sample to a depth of four (4) inches and for gardens, ornamentals, and mixed fruit trees and wildlife plots collect samples to a depth of six (6) inches. Cut a thin slice about ¼ inch thick, two inches wide and to the depth specified above. Combine and mix samples and let dry. Place the soil samples in the UGA soil sample bags available at your County Extension Office. The County Extension Office will send the samples to the UGA Soil Testing Lab and once the tests are completed you will receive a Soil Test Report which will provide an interpretation of all soil tests done and recommendations concerning appropriate nutrient and lime recommendations.

Soils can be tested any time of year. Late fall and winter are excellent times to prepare for spring since it takes two to three months for recommended nutrients such as lime or sulfur to change the soil’s pH. Once medium or high fertility levels are achieved, the soil should be tested every two (2) to three (3) years.

To view the University of Georgia’s publication on soil sampling visit:
http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/C896/C896.htm