Soil Testing

University of Rhode Island, Cooperative Master Gardener Program
The URI Master Gardener soil testing service is free of charge. Bring a sample of your soil and have it tested for pH (acidity/alkalinity) and evaluated for texture and content. Much of the soil in our region is more acidic than necessary for most vegetable and ornamental plants to thrive. Master Gardeners will provide specific recommendations for improvements for your soil’s health.

How to collect a soil sample for testing: URI Master Gardeners want to test the soil that the plant roots depend on, not the soil surface. Dig to the plant or lawn root zone, around 6″ deep. Collect separate samples each area on your property that you’d like to test, such as vegetable gardens, lawns and flower gardens. Gather ½ cup from several spots within each area to be tested. Mix the samples for each test area together and allow the soil to dry on newspapers in the open air. Do not heat the soil samples. Pull out rocks and debris, then label and bring 1 cup of the mix in a paper bag or clean container to be tested.

Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; April 7, 2018; 11:00 am-2:00 pm; Free.