Lawn & Garden Soil Testing

Portage County fresh-soil-1468423UW-Extension offers soil testing for lawns and gardens.

Why, When & How?

What you get:

  • Analysis of current nutrient content of your soil (P,K).
  • Current soil pH.
  • Recommendation of type and amount of fertilizer to add.
  • Allow 2 – 3 weeks for return of results.

What we need:

  • A total of 2 cups of air dry soil.
  • Samples should contain soil from surface to 6 inches deep.
  • Take soil from 3 to 5 places in area to be tested, mix together; submit 2 cups of mixture in a clean plastic bag.

When to sample:

  • Can be done any time soil is not frozen.
  • Best done before you apply fertilizer.

What is the cost?

  • The standard Lawn or Garden test are $16 per sample when submitted to the Portage County UW-Extension Office.  Additional tests are available and cost varies depending upon type of sample testing to be completed.
  • Payment in cash or by check due at time of submission (checks payable to Portage County Treasurer). Results usually received within two weeks of submission.