When to test your garden soil
The best times for garden soil testing are:
- Early spring before planting
- Fall when planning next year's garden
We recommend testing your soil every three years for established gardens and before starting a new garden bed.
How to test your garden soil
Identify your planting area
Decide where to plant and test your soil, such as a garden bed, raised bed or a more extensive landscape area.
Collect soil samples
Take 3 to 6 samples from different spots within your chosen planting area.
- Make sure to insert the coring tool 6 inches into the soil. This is slightly deeper than lawn soil tests, so dig a bit deeper.
- Collect samples from various parts of the garden bed or planting area to get an accurate representation of the soil.
Pro Tip: Taking multiple samples helps make sure your soil test results are reliable and reflect the overall soil conditions.
Mix soil samples
After collecting all samples, mix them together in a clean container (garden pots or bowls work great!) to create a uniform sample for testing.
Remove debris like plant tissue, roots, and rocks. This helps you get the most accurate garden soil test result from the soil lab.
Package and mail
Pour the mixed garden soil sample into the kraft bag from the kit.
Seal the bag, attach the ID sticker, and place it in the shipping box. Use the prepaid shipping label and send it in the mail.
Get your results
After the lab receives your sample, you'll get an email with your detailed garden soil test and analysis on your Sunday soil test results page within 3-4 weeks.
Then, you can explore your detailed results and get guided expert support on your account's garden soil test result page.
Garden soil test kit tips
- Sample soil 6 inches deep with the soil coring tool
- Sample soil from specific beds or places where plants will be growing
- Soil can be damp, not wet (and it'll be easier to use the coring tool)
- Use the garden soil test kit in garden soil, not potting mix
Sunday Garden Soil Test Kit & Analysis
- State-of-the-art lab analysis
- Tests 15 garden soil metrics
- Results within 3-4 weeks
- Everything you need in one kit
Garden soil test kit FAQs
What's in your garden soil kit?
The Sunday Soil Test Kit and Analysis comes with everything you need to sample and ship your garden soil to our state-of-the-art soil labs.
- Sunday Soil Coring Tool: Precision soil sampler tool for accurate testing
- Sample Bag and ID Sticker: For secure sample collection and results delivery
- Prepaid Shipping Materials: Everything needed to send your sample
- Lab Analysis: Complete testing of 15 soil metrics
- Custom Recommendations: Expert guidance for your garden
- 20% OFF Code: Savings on your first yard plan
What to do with garden soil test results?
Your garden soil test results should return in 3-4 weeks after the lab receives your sample with recommendations for any necessary plant food or soil amendment needs. Use these as a guideline when planning garden fertilizer or amendment applications.
Can I use this kit for different garden areas?
Yes! This kit can test vegetable gardens, flower beds, herb gardens, or other growing areas.
If you manage different garden beds differently, we recommend individually testing vegetable beds, flower beds, and other woody landscape areas.
How often should I test my soil?
We recommend testing every three years or whenever new garden areas are started. Garden soil testing over time helps track improvements and helps you adjust nutrients and amendments as needed.
Ready to get growing?
Let's get growing
Unlock your shortcut to a dreamy backyard with complete lawn, garden and pest care - all in one place.
