GARDEN SOIL TESTING Why test your garden soil ?  
Learn if need to add nutrients to soil so plants will grow better. Measure lead or other contaminants, if there is a concern
Other directions: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Be sure all tools and containers are cleaned with soap and water before using. Plan the garden area you want to test first. Be sure to remove any rocks, sticks, or other debris from the soil sample. Let the soil completely dry out in the air before putting it in the bag, sealing the bag, and mailing it to the soil testing lab.
Suggested places to submit soil samples: For nutrient analysis: The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven CT The web site has a great deal of information, a downloadable order form, and easy instructions about where to send the sample. This is free testing. Questions can be asked by phone, email, or in person. Office hours and phone access is MondayFriday, 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m. For information: Gregory Bugbee Phone: (203) 974-8521 E-mail: Gregory.Bugbee@ct.gov Mailing Address: The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Slate Laboratory Soil Testing P.O. Box 1106 New Haven, CT 06504 Lead and other heavy metals (lead, nickel, cadmium and chromium as a preliminary screening to determine possible contamination): University of Vermont Agricultural and Environmental testing lab http://pss.uvm.edu/ag_testing/?Page=soils.html. Heavy metal testing costs $10.00 Information and order forms are on their web site and easy to follow. You would use the same sampling steps as the ones above for nutrients testing.