Guide To Free Soil Testing Services Across The United States

Oct. 12, 2025, 6:20 a.m.

Tags: soil

Soil testing is a crucial step for maintaining healthy lawns and gardens. Understanding soil composition helps gardeners make informed decisions about fertilization and soil amendments. While professional soil testing typically costs between $20-60, several states and organizations offer free or low-cost soil testing services to residents. This guide explores the various options available across the United States for obtaining free soil testing.

States Offering Free Soil Testing Services

Arkansas

In Arkansas, routine soil testing is provided free of charge, provided the soil is from Arkansas and the person submitting the sample is an Arkansas resident.

Connecticut

Connecticut state offers free soil tests to state residents.

Florida

The University of Florida Extension Office provides free soil pH tests.

Idaho

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare offers free soil lead testing to residents.

Illinois

Free soil lead testing is provided by the Illinois Department of Health.

Kansas

Johnson County residents can obtain free soil tests through Kansas State University. The basic fertility test, sufficient for most homeowner lawns and gardens, normally costs $20 but is offered free through a grant with Johnson County Stormwater Management. This service tests the pH, phosphorus and potassium levels of the soil and can help save money on lawn or garden chemicals while decreasing runoff that pollutes waterways.

Kentucky

Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service offices provide soil testing services for a reasonable fee or it may be free, depending on the county.

Louisiana

Lafayette residents can obtain free soil testing through University of Louisiana.

Maine

No free testing is available, but low-cost tests ($20) are available through University of Maine.

Massachusetts

Barnstable residents can obtain free soil testing through Cape Cod Extension.

Montana

Seasonal free testing is provided by RiverStone Health.

Nebraska

Low-cost tests ($15) are available through AgSource.

New Jersey

Low-cost ($9) tests are offered through Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Lab.

New York

The Urban Soil Institute offers free soil heavy metal testing.

North Carolina

North Carolina offers free soil testing when samples are submitted between April 1 and the end of November.

Oklahoma

Low-cost ($10) tests are available through Cleveland County Extension.

Oregon

Soil Screening, Health, Outreach, and Partnership provides free soil lead testing.

Pennsylvania

Primex Garden Center provides free soil pH testing.

Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island Master Gardener Program offers free soil testing.

South Carolina

Carolina Fresh Farms provides free soil testing for lawns.

Tennessee

No free testing is available, but low cost ($15) tests are provided by UT (University of Tennessee).

Utah

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food offers a free soil health assessment.

Vermont

The University of Vermont (UVM) offers seasonal free soil testing.

Virginia

Virginia Green, a private company, offers free soil testing for lawns.

Washington

UCD (University of California Davis) offers free soil testing each spring.

West Virginia

West Virginia University offers free soil analysis to residents.

Wisconsin

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), University of Wisconsin–Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are collaborating to offer a series of free soil testing and soil health workshops.

Wyoming

Uinta County provides basic soil test kits that analyze soil pH, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus levels. Residents can bring in soil samples anytime during the year to have them tested, with the first test being free.

Eligibility Requirements and Submission Process

Johnson County, Kansas

Johnson County residents are eligible to receive one free test per household per year. Johnson County agriculture producers, which includes pastures, row crops and commercial horticulture, are eligible to receive up to 10 free agriculture soil tests. It's important to note that samples should not be sent directly to the K-State Soil Lab, as they will be charged by the university. The offer for one free soil test will only be honored for samples processed through the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension office.

To submit a sample, residents need to: - Complete the required form - Provide a bagged soil sample - Submit additional payment if needed (cash, check or credit card is accepted; checks should be made payable to Johnson County Extension Council)

Samples can be brought or mailed to: Johnson County K-State Research and Extension 11811 S. Sunset Dr. Suite 1500

Carolina Fresh Farms, South Carolina

Carolina Fresh Farms provides free soil testing for lawns. To participate, customers need to collect a soil sample consisting of four cups of soil (approximately the size of a quart-sized zippered storage bag). The sample should be collected using a stainless steel garden spade or trowel—tools made of bronze or brass will contaminate the soil sample. It's recommended to collect soil samples from various locations throughout the yard to obtain more accurate results.

Once collected, the soil sample can be dropped off at any of Carolina Fresh Farms' six locations free of charge. The company will send the samples to their soil testing laboratory for analysis, determine which nutrients are currently in the soil and which nutrients may be lacking, and provide recommendations for necessary amendments.

Low-Cost Soil Testing Alternatives

When free soil testing is not available, several affordable alternatives can still provide valuable insights into soil conditions:

Mail-in Soil Testing Services

Several private companies offer mail-in soil testing services at competitive prices. These services typically involve: 1. Collecting a soil sample 2. Mailing it to the company's laboratory 3. Receiving a report online or by mail

The cost of these services varies depending on the extent of the analysis, but they are generally more affordable than traditional laboratory testing. When selecting a service, it's advisable to research different companies to compare their pricing, services, and reputation. Look for companies that offer clear and easy-to-understand reports and provide personalized recommendations based on specific needs.

State and Local Department Initiatives

Keep an eye out for announcements from state Departments of Agriculture or Departments of Environmental Protection. These agencies may periodically offer free soil testing initiatives to promote sustainable farming practices, remediate contaminated sites, or conduct research on soil health. These opportunities might be limited in scope or availability, but they are worth exploring. Checking their websites regularly or subscribing to their newsletters can help stay informed about potential free soil testing programs.

Community Gardens and Local Nurseries

Occasionally, community gardens or local nurseries will host free soil screening events. These events are often sponsored by local organizations or businesses and provide a quick assessment of soil pH and basic nutrient levels. While not as comprehensive as laboratory analysis, these screenings can offer a valuable initial understanding of soil conditions.

Community gardens themselves can sometimes offer free soil testing to their members as a way to promote healthy gardening practices within the community. Participating in a community garden can provide access to resources and knowledge that might otherwise be unavailable.

DIY Soil Testing Kits

Home soil testing kits are available at most garden centers and hardware stores. These kits typically involve mixing a soil sample with a chemical reagent and comparing the resulting color to a chart to estimate pH and nutrient levels.

While not as accurate as laboratory analysis, DIY kits can provide a basic assessment of soil conditions and identify significant imbalances. It's important to follow the instructions carefully and understand the limitations of these kits. They are best used as a screening tool rather than a definitive analysis.

Why Soil Testing Matters

Soil testing is one of the most important and beneficial steps for maintaining a healthy lawn or garden. Soil samples are an excellent way to measure a lawn's health and nutritional balance. They serve as great management tools to assist in making informed fertilizer decisions for lawns and gardens. By understanding soil composition, gardeners can begin optimizing and maintaining appropriate soil fertility levels and pH balance.

A soil test can save money on lawn or garden chemicals and decrease runoff that pollutes waterways. Considering the potential cost savings and environmental benefits, even paying for a soil test (typically ranging from $20-60) is often worthwhile, especially when compared to the expense of unnecessary soil amendments.

Conclusion

Free soil testing services are available in various forms across the United States, ranging from state-wide programs to county-specific initiatives and private company offerings. Eligibility requirements vary, with some services limited to residents of specific states or counties. When free options aren't available, affordable alternatives include low-cost mail-in services, community events, and DIY testing kits.

Regardless of the method chosen, soil testing provides valuable information that can help gardeners make informed decisions about soil amendments, leading to healthier lawns and gardens while potentially saving money and reducing environmental impact.