When to take your soil test
Ideally, before your first fertilizer application. This gives you (and us, if you're on a Custom Lawn Plan) the data needed to feed your lawn exactly what it needs.
Missed that window? No stress. Early spring or fall are the next best times to sample.
What you'll need
- Your Sunday Soil Test Kit:
- Soil coring tool
- Sample bag
- Return box
- Prepaid shipping label
- A clean container or bowl
How to complete your Sunday soil test
Collect your samples
Use the soil coring tool to pull out soil samples. Go 4–6 inches down — that's the sweet spot where roots live and nutrients hang out
Repeat in multiple spots
Grab samples from 3 or more areas across your lawn. Different areas, different vibes. (Front yard, back yard, shady spots, sunny spots — mix it up.)
Combine and clean
Mix all your samples together in a bowl or container. Pull out any grass, rocks, roots, or whatever else snuck in.
Fill your sample bag
Scoop about one cup of that mix into your test bag.
Damp is fine. Mud pie? Not cool.
Seal and pack
Drop the sealed soil bag into the return box.
Add some paper so it doesn't sound like you're mailing musical instruments. (Your carrier will thank you.)
Label it
Slap the prepaid shipping label on the box.
This Get Growing box, the one the soil kit came in, doubles as the shipping box. Yeah, we love a multitasker.
Ship it
Drop it in your mailbox. We'll take it from here. Science mode activated.
Check your results
Head to your Sunday Soil Test Results page in 2–4 weeks to learn your soil's secrets
What happens next
You'll receive your soil analysis via email 2–4 weeks after the lab receives your sample. We'll break down exactly what's happening beneath the surface — and what to do about it.
If you purchased a standalone kit: Your results will include clear recommendations for what your lawn needs. Use them to choose the right Sunday lawn products or adjust your current routine.
If you're on a Custom Lawn Plan: Go ahead and apply your first shipment—no need to wait.
Using insights from the largest residential lawn soil database, we've already tailored the right nutrients for your lawn. Once your results come in, we'll adjust future shipments if any deficiencies pop up. Your Yard Advisors also use this data to provide expert support customized to your lawn.
Learn more: Decoding Your Lawn Soil Test Results
Soil test kit FAQs
Do I need to wait for my soil test results before applying Sunday products?
Nope! If you're on a Custom Lawn Plan, your first shipment is already tailored to your lawn size, climate, and regional soil data. Your soil test results will fine-tune future shipments if any deficiencies show up.
If you purchased a standalone kit, your results will guide your next steps.
Why start with a soil test?
Because guessing is overrated. A soil test tells you exactly what's going on underground (so you can give your lawn what it actually needs, not what you think it needs).
Sunday Tip:
Applying the wrong nutrients—or too much of the right ones—can do more harm than good for your lawn and the environment. Your soil test helps you avoid that guessing game.
The good news? Sunday soil test kits help you avoid that issue.
What if my soil is too wet to sample?
Wait for a drier day. You want soil that's slightly damp, not soggy. Mud pies don't ship well (and they don't test well either).
Can I sample from just one spot?
You can, but you shouldn't. Lawns aren't uniform — sampling from 3+ spots gives us a fuller picture of what's happening across your yard.
How often should I test my soil?
Once every couple of years is a great habit, especially in early spring or fall. Soil conditions change over time, and soil testing helps keep your lawn care dialed in.
Let's get growing
No mess. No guesswork. Simply follow the steps, send us your sample, and we'll handle the science. Your lawn's secrets are about to be revealed.
