How to Collect Soil Samples the Right Way for a Garden Soil Test

Why Soil Testing Matters

Trying to amend your garden soil without a soil test is like a doctor prescribing medicine without running any lab tests—it’s pure guesswork. A soil analysis gives you a clear picture of your soil’s nutrient levels, pH balance, and overall health, so you can make informed decisions about fertilizers and amendments.

As soon as the soil thaws in spring, it’s the perfect time to collect your sample and send it to a lab. In this guide, seasoned agriculture expert Bob Gregory walks you through the best way to take a proper soil sample for accurate results.

Quick Overview: How to Collect a Soil Sample

Choose a representative area – Avoid sampling just one spot; collect from multiple locations.
Dig properly – Remove surface debris and take soil from the top 12 inches.
Use clean tools – A stainless steel spoon and a Ziploc bag work well.
Mix a composite sample – Combine multiple samples into one bag.
Send to a trusted lab – Choose an independent soil lab for the most accurate results.

Now, let’s go step by step!

Step 1: Selecting the Right Areas to Sample

A soil test is only as accurate as the sample you provide. That’s why it’s essential to collect soil from different locations within your garden.

If your garden has noticeably different soil types, test them separately.
For uniform areas, take samples from at least 3-4 locations to create a composite sample.

Bob Gregory recommends this approach to avoid getting misleading results caused by isolated factors, like a bird dropping or a decaying plant in one spot.

Step 2: Digging the Sample Correctly

Once you’ve chosen your sampling locations:

Remove the top 2 inches of soil to eliminate organic matter that could distort results.
Dig a hole about 12 inches deep using a shovel.
Take soil from the sides of the hole using a clean stainless steel tablespoon.
Repeat this process in all selected spots.

Step 3: Combining and Preparing Your Sample

To get a representative sample, you’ll need about one pound of soil (about the size of your fist).

Mix soil from multiple locations into a clean Ziploc bag.
Remove any large roots, rocks, or organic debris before sealing the bag.

This composite sample will provide a more accurate analysis of your soil’s overall condition.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Soil Testing Lab

Bob recommends using an independent soil laboratory rather than state university labs. While university labs are often inexpensive, commercial labs typically provide more detailed and precise results.

A professional soil analysis costs around $15—less than the price of a bag of fertilizer—yet the insights you gain are invaluable!

Next Steps: Understanding Your Soil Test Results

Now that you know how to properly collect your soil sample, the next step is understanding your results and making adjustments for optimal plant growth.

Inside The Ready Life, Bob Gregory provides full training on soil analysis and nutrient balancing, along with an extensive library of gardening and self-sufficiency content.

For a limited time, you can access the full masterclass, Food Grower’s Guidelines, plus our entire content library FREE for 30 days!

👉 Get started today at TheReadyLife.com/try.