NOTICE: November 25th is the last day to drop off samples at the Wake County Center. From Nov 26th through March 31st we will not be dropping off soil samples.
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. Heavy metal testing is NOT available for homeowners or community garden growers. Contact a private lab if you want heavy metal testing.A Soil Test Report includes:- pH
- 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.
Questions?
Contact the Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of Wake County:- Phone: (919) 250-1084
- Email: mgardener@wake.gov
If you would like to learn more about soils,
to watch a video on Soils and Composting from the Wake County Extension Master Gardener Training Series.
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 8am - 5pm. Gates will prevent after-hours delivery. Use this link for more information.
