Testing your soil is one of the smartest things you can do before planting or maintaining your lawn, garden, or landscape beds. A soil test tells you what nutrients your soil already has and what it lacks so you can:
- Save money by applying only the lime and fertilizer you really need.
- Protect your plants by correcting pH or nutrient imbalances that can stunt growth or cause poor health.
- Help the environment by avoiding unnecessary fertilizer that can wash into storm drains and local waterways.
- Diagnose problems like nutrient deficiencies when plants aren’t performing well.
Without a soil test, you’re basically guessing. And guessing with fertilizer costs money and may harm your plants or the environment.
When to Test
You can take a soil test any time the ground is workable, but fall or early spring are ideal times. In established landscapes, it’s a good habit to test about every 3 years to track changes in soil conditions.
Where to find Soil Test Kits
The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Offices in James City County and New Kent County.
- James City County Extension Office, and Extension Master Gardener Help Desk Office: 3127 Forge Road, Toano, Virginia 23168
- New Kent County Extension Office: 11809 New Kent Highway, Suite 1, New Kent, Virginia 23124
Local Farmer Markets. Visit us on Saturday morning at our Extension Master Gardener tent/booth at local farmers markets and at various Extension Master Gardeners outreach events. (Click here to see our farmers’ market schedule)
- Williamsburg Farmers Market: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 345 W. Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg, VA 23185
- Toano Open Air Market: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 7891 Richmond Road in Toano, VA
- New Kent County Farmer Market: 7589 New Kent Highway, New Kent, VA
- Look for our Extension Master Gardener booth/display at many local outreach and garden program events.
JCCW Master Gardeners Homeowner Outreach Program Home Visits
- Turf Love: In cooperation with the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District, Master Gardeners will visit your home to discuss your lawn and turf needs and collect soil samples of your lawn. Click here to learn more about our Turf Love program.
- Landscape Love: During the home visit, the Master Gardener team can provide soil test kits upon request. Click here for more information on our Landscape love program.
How & Why to Test Your Soil
This short video from our friends at the Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture features Kirsten Conrad, Agriculture Natural Resource Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, on how & why to test your soil.
After collecting your soil samples, mail your samples to the Virginia Tech Soil Testing lab using the address on the form that accompanies the container. Allow 2 weeks for results to be emailed.
Interpreting Your Soil Test.
Click here for a Virginia Cooperative Extension video on how to interpret your soil test results. If additional help is needed, contact our Extension Master Gardener Help Desk at: 757-564-2175 or email us at [email protected]
Soil Testing Resources and Publications:
- Soil Sampling For Residential Areas: VCE Pub: 452-129/SPES-725
- Virginia Tech Your Soil Test Report Simplified: A Guide for Homeowners
- VCE Test Results Video – Henrico County VCE Office
- Soil Sample Information Sheet for Home Lawns, Gardens, Fruits, and Ornamentals: Publication 452-125
- Virginia Tech Soil test fees and forms
For additional information or assistance
If additional help is needed, contact our Extension Master Gardener Help Desk at: 757-564-2175 or email us at [email protected]