How to Collect Soil Sample

Before collecting or dropping off a soil sample, please call or text Dennis at (406) 607-0355 for an estimate and any additional instructions. Every project is different, and Dennis will help determine the correct test and sampling approach for your garden, crops, or property. Soil samples dropped off without a prior phone call or text will not be processed.

Step 1: Separate Different Areas

Before collecting soil, look at your property and separate areas that grow different things.

Each area should have its own soil sample.

Examples:

Vegetable garden
Flower beds
Trees and shrubs
Crop or pasture areas

Do not collect soil from lawns.

For lawn testing, call or text Dennis at (406) 607-0355 for instructions.

Split areas if:

The plants are different
The ground is higher or lower
The soil looks different
One area grows well but another struggles

Testing areas separately helps get accurate soil results for each part of your property.

Step 2: Take Small Samples From the Area

Once you choose the area you want to test, collect several small soil pieces from different spots in that area.

Dig 5–6 small samples around the space
Go about 5–6 inches deep
Remove mulch or surface debris first

Spread the sampling spots around the area, like the red X marks in the first diagram.

This helps create a soil sample that represents the whole area, not just one spot.

Step 3: Mix the Soil Together

After collecting soil from 5–6 spots, place all of the soil into one container and mix thoroughly to create one combined sample representing the area.

From the mixed soil, take about one quart for testing.

Place the sample in a jar covered with a coffee filter secured with a rubber band so the soil can breathe.

Keep the sample cool and out of sunlight, and deliver it to Dennis within 24 hours.

Step 4: Label and Drop Off Your Sample

Label the container with your name, phone number, and sample location (example: Vegetable Garden, Back Lawn, Flower Bed).

Deliver the sample to Dennis within 24 hours of collection for the most accurate results.

Please text or call Dennis at (406)607-0355 for drop off location and additional questions.

Do not drop off soil samples before calling Dennis to confirm services!

Why Soil Testing Matters

If your vegetable garden is not growing well, crops are producing poorly, flowers are failing to bloom, or plants have yellow leaves or slow growth, the problem is often in the soil. A professional soil test can identify nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalance, and soil health problems that affect plant growth and crop production.

Gardeners and growers searching for soil testing in Kalispell, soil testing near Whitefish, garden soil testing in Columbia Falls, or soil testing in the Flathead Valley use professional soil analysis to diagnose plant problems and improve soil conditions. If you are dealing with poor garden yields, struggling vegetable plants, nutrient deficiencies, low crop production, or unhealthy soil, a soil test provides clear recommendations to help restore soil health and support stronger plant growth.

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