How to take a soil sample (Detailed instructions)

After you register your SoilKit, now it’s time to take your soil sample! Be sure to use a stainless steel or plastic trowel to avoid metal contamination. If your soil has recently been fertilized, you’ll need to wait for two weeks before sampling.
Choose four sample locations and evenly distribute them across the sample area (up to 10,000 square feed). Collect two scoops of soil at each location, 2-4 inches from the soil surface. Combining scoops from different spots creates a single composite sample that is representative of the whole testing area. Do not fill the sample bag beyond the line. Seal the sample bag by bending the tabs. We recommend you write your name on the sample bag, but it is not required.

Put your sample bag into the prepaid mailing envelope, seal, and send. Be sure to keep your customer care card, as it includes your kit id number for reference. Within 24-48 hours of receipt, our certified lab team will calculate your soil amendment needs and send you an email with a link to your test results.

The best practices for taking a soil sample are explained best in this video:

The full SoilKit reference guide is attached as a PDF as well.