A soil test is the one step most people skip, but it's the one that changes everything after it. Ten minutes of collecting and a few weeks of waiting is all it takes to know exactly what your lawn needs instead of guessing.
When to take your soil test
Ideally, before your first fertilizer application.
It gives you and Sunday the data needed to feed your lawn exactly what it needs from the start. If you missed that window, don't stress. Early spring or fall are the next best times to grab a sample.
What you'll need
Your Sunday Soil Test Kit includes everything: a soil coring tool, a sample bag, a return box, and a prepaid shipping label.
You'll just need a clean container or bowl from your kitchen to mix things up.
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 after you ship your soil
Results usually land in your inbox 2 to 4 weeks after the lab receives your sample. We use insights from the largest residential lawn soil database in the country to break down exactly what's happening beneath the surface.
If you're on a Custom Lawn Plan, go ahead and apply your first shipment without waiting. It's already built around your lawn size, climate, and regional soil data. Your results will fine-tune future shipments if the lab finds any deficiencies.
If you purchased a standalone soil test kit, your results include clear recommendations. Use them to choose the right Sunday products or adjust your current routine based on what the dirt is telling us.
Soil test kit FAQs
Why should I start with a soil test?
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).
How long do lawn soil results take?
About 2 to 4 weeks from when the lab receives your sample. You'll get your results via email. If you're on a Custom Lawn Plan, you don't need to wait before applying your first shipment.
Can I sample from just one spot?
You can, but you shouldn't. Lawns aren't always uniform underground, so 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.
Ready to see what's in your dirt?
Your lawn's secrets are about to be revealed. Drop your kit in the mail and we'll handle the science from here.
