How to sample
A scoop of dirt takes ten minutes.
Good results start with a good sample. Follow these steps for the situation you are testing.
The basics
How to pull a soil core.
1
Sweep
Move aside leaves and other organic matter from the top of the soil.
2
Core
Use a metal apple corer or a butter knife to take a core about 1 inch across and 3 inches deep. If you can only reach 2 inches, sample at the depth you can reach.
3
Bag
Put cores in a bag no more than half full. Seal it with air left inside, because your biology needs to breathe.
4
Label
Write the sample name and date on the outside of the bag.
Pick your situation
What are you sampling?
A uniform field or pasture
Pull 5 cores at random from different parts of the field and note where. If plants are growing, sample about halfway between the plant stem and the dripline (the edge of the leaf canopy). Avoid fences, ditches and big depressions. All cores go in one bag. Repeat for each distinct field.
A field that is not uniform
Take at least 3 cores from each distinct section: healthy plants, weedy patches, sick plants, bare ground. Each section gets its own bag. Label by section, for example thistles, healthy plants, bare patch.
A specific plant or tree
Pull 3 cores around each plant or tree, about halfway between the stem or trunk and the dripline. Different species, or healthy versus unhealthy plants, each get their own bag. Trees of the same species and health can share a bag, 3 cores per tree.
A compost pile or vermicast
Small pile: grab a small handful from at least 5 areas, from different depths and spots. Large windrow: take 20 teaspoon-sized samples from 20 areas. Combine in one labeled bag. Send at least a quarter cup.
A compost extract
Use a disposable water bottle. Fill it one-third full with the liquid and leave the rest empty for air. Secure the cap with tape, seal in a plastic bag and label. This must be sent overnight.
A compost tea
Compost tea is extremely time sensitive. If you are local, contact us to set up a test.
Collected more than a quarter cup?
Mix it up, then send a quarter cup.
No problem. Place all of the same sample in a clean container and mix it well. Take at least a quarter cup of the mixed material, put it in a resealable bag, and label it clearly on the outside.
Shipping address and packaging instructions are coming soon. Contact us before you mail a sample.
