How to Collect the Soil Sample

- a shovel,

- a trowel, and

- an old coffee can or bucket to mix the soil.
All implements must be clean.

Select at least five locations in your yard.

1. Using your shovel, slice straight down through the turf.
2. Rock the shovel forward to make a slit in the ground.
3. Pull out the shovel and using your trowel, slice a sample of earth from the edge.
   The sample should be about ½ inch thick and 6 inches long.
4. Discard any grass or organic materials in the sample.
5. Place the slice of soil in your coffee can (or bucket).
6. Repeat this process 5-6 times.
7. Mix the samples together in the coffee can, then fill and label the cardboard soil sample carton (which you can obtain at the Extension office).

If you are a hard core gardening enthusiast, you'll want to submit separate samples from your flower beds and your vegetable garden. Of course, each sample will cost you an extra $7 for testing, but will guide your gardening efforts for the next three years.

Drop off your sample(s) at the NoVa Extension Office in Shirlington. Take along your
payment (checks are preferred). You will get your results in approximately three weeks.
If you have any questions, an Extension Agent will be happy to explain the results in more detail.