Soil Testing
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Collapse ▲Soil testing is FREE at N.C. Cooperative Extension – Wake County Center from April through November. A soil test will allow you to be a better gardener by providing specific information on how to apply the best nutrients and grow healthier plants based on your own soil.
A Soil Test Report includes:
- pH and acidity
- levels of major plant nutrients (including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur)
- levels of plant micronutrients (including copper, manganese and zinc)
- levels of sodium
- soil class
- percent base saturation
- percent humic matter
- cation exchange capacity
- weight-to-volume ratio
How do I test my soil?
Pick up a Soil Sample Test Kit
- N.C. Cooperative Extension – Wake County Center is located at the Agriculture Services Building, 4001 Carya Drive.
Fill Out Box and Form
- You may submit several boxes on one form. Take a soil test for each area of soil you treat differently in your yard. For example, a front yard lawn vs raised garden bed.
Select Sample ID and Plant Code
- Choose a 5-letter Sample ID that identifies the soil location to help you remember exactly where each box came from. Please use your own discretion. (Example: FRONT for front yard or BLOOM for a flower bed)
- Plant codes are numerical codes listed on the pack of the soil sample form. Choose the code that best correlates with your sample.
Collect Soil Test Sample
- Use a soil core sampling tool or any gardening shovel to collect the soil 4-6 inches deep; one box will fill about 12 cores. Do not allow your soil to touch surfaces containing zinc (i.e. metal buckets). Remove all turf from the sample. Fill to red line.
Return Soil Sample Test Kit
- Attach your information to the soil boxes with a rubber band. Drop off all of your soil test samples at our office in the bottom drawer of the Soil Test filing cabinet. Expect results within 2 weeks.
N.C. Cooperative Extension – Wake County Center is located in Suite E of the Agricultural Service Building.
On the right side of the main entrance, there is a Soil Test file cabinet with test kits and a drop off station. Make sure to collect the correct paperwork according to your lawn, garden, or farm from the first two drawers. Once you have completed your sample collection, drop it off in the bottom drawer.
If you are unable to pick up kits during office hours, 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, there are boxes located to the left of the entrance.
Questions?
Contact the Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of Wake County:
- Phone: (919) 250-1084
- Email: mgardener@wake.gov
More Information about Soil Testing Services: NCDA&CS Agronomic Divisions’ website
Watch a Soil Sample Test Demonstration: Gardening Series – Part 1 | Town of Wake Forest, NC (wakeforestnc.gov)
Winter Operations
After November 18th, soil samples must be delivered to the NCDA Agronomic Division at 4300 Reedy Creek Road in Raleigh.
The charge is $4 per sample, payable by cash, credit card or escrow account, between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Gates will prevent after-hours delivery.