A Quick Reference for How to Take a Soil Test

handful of soilWhat does a soil test from UMaine Extension do?

A soil test will tell you:

  • Nutrient levels in your soil
  • Soil pH levels
  • Presence of lead contamination, if any

Why should I test my soil?

A soil test will help you to optimize your garden or lawn by providing the information you need to make your soil healthy for a given crop. Test results also provide recommendations for amendments.

When do I take a soil test?

Soil can be tested any time of year when the ground is not frozen. However, the results of your soil test are intended to provide recommendations for the following growing season. If you are testing your soil to grow a garden, then it is most useful to test soil in very early spring, immediately after thaw, or fall in order to allow time before the growing season begins. You can expect to receive test results in 2-4 weeks.

How do I take a soil test?

We supply soil test kits for free. They come with an order form, instructions, and a collapsible cardboard box to put your soil sample in. Be sure to read the instruction form carefully. Choose your “analytical service” and a 3-digit crop code so that you will receive the specific recommendations for your desired crop. We supply soil test kits for free. They come with an order form, instructions, and a collapsible cardboard box to put your soil sample in. Be sure to read the instruction form carefully. Choose your “analytical service” and a 3-digit crop code so that you will receive the specific recommendations for your desired crop.

Where do I get a soil test?

There are 2 ways to get a soil test:

1. Visit our office at 7 County Drive, Skowhegan, ME 04976
2. Call our office at 207.474.9622 to request a test in the mail

Mail soil tests to our soil lab in Orono:

Maine Soil Testing Service
5722 Deering Hall
Orono, ME 04469-5722

Include payment for the amount listed for the service(s) you have chosen. In most cases the
standard test for $18 is sufficient for the Home Gardener.

What if I don’t understand my soil test results?

When you receive your soil test results, you can call our office 207.474.9622 for assistance with interpreting your results and recommendations.

Additional Resources