Soil Test...An inventory of the nutrients and acidity in the soil.

Why should I test my soil?
Soil in its natural state is rarely fertile enough for the best growth of plants. Usually, it is necessary to supplement the earth's store of plant nutrients before we can obtain the most vigorous lawn, the most abundant and brilliant flowers, the most aesthetically satisfying trees/shrubs and the greatest yield of tasty and nutritious vegetables or crops. Test your soil for pH, potassium, phosphorus and other key elements to begin the soil improvement process.

When should I test my soil?
Proper sampling is vitally important in order to obtain accurate soil test results. Soil samples can be taken any time during the warmer months. Each sample should be taken before soil temperatures drop below 50 degrees. If the soil is too wet to spade, rototill or hoe, it is also too wet to sample. Extremely dry soil should not be sampled.

How do I collect a sample?
To take a sample, use a sampling tube, spade, trowel or long knife. Sample 6-8" deep from gardens, shrubs, or trees and 3-4" for turf. Discard any surface residue, thatch or stones.

Sample different areas of the turf, garden or landscape separately. From each distinct area take several cores or slices. Combine the cores or slices in a bucket and mix well. Transfer a portion of the mixed sample to a soil sample bag. Label and put your name on the soil sample bag, place the sample (s) in the shipping box and attach UPS shipping label on box.

How do I get a soil test kit?
Contact the Cook County Farm Bureau at 708-354-3276 to request your soil test kit. Pay for the kit using your credit card or send a check. Upon payment, your soil test kit will be sent to you. Pricing is as follows:

1 sample: $20.00 members, $25.00 non-members
2 samples: $35.00 members, $40.00 non-members
3 samples: $50.00 members, $55.00 non-members
4 samples: $65.00 members, $70.00 non-members

The kit includes: soil sample bag (s), instructions on how to take a soil sample, questionnaire about your soil samples and a shipping box with pre-paid ups label.

Receive test results and basic recommendations within two weeks.