For farmers, gardeners, and homeowners in North Carolina, soil testing is a vital step in achieving optimal plant health and productivity. Regular soil tests help determine the nutrient needs of your soil and provide personalized recommendations for fertilization. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), in partnership with NC State Extension, offers soil testing services to residents at little to no cost—depending on the time of year. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to collect soil samples and tips on how to avoid soil sample fees.

1. Gather Tools You will need a clean plastic bucket, a trowel or soil probe, and soil sample boxes or bags (available for free from your local NC State Extension office or NCDA&CS). Ensure the tools are free of any fertilizer or pesticide residue to avoid contamination.
2. Identify Sampling Areas Divide your property into distinct areas based on different uses or crop types. For instance, sample your lawn, vegetable garden, flower beds, and pastures separately. Each area should have a sample of its own.
3. Take Soil Samples Using the trowel or probe, collect soil from 6 inches deep for garden beds or 4 inches deep for lawns. Take 5-10 samples from random spots within each identified area and place them in your bucket. Mix these samples thoroughly to create a composite sample. Avoid areas that are close to driveways, buildings, or areas with recently applied fertilizer or lime.
4. Prepare the Sample for Submission Once the composite sample is thoroughly mixed, place approximately 1 pint of soil into the soil sample box or bag. Be sure to fill out the necessary information on the form provided by NCDA&CS, including crop code and intended use, which will help tailor the recommendations.
5. Submit Your Sample Drop off the samples at your local NC State Extension office or ship them directly to the Agronomic Division of NCDA&CS in Raleigh. Your results will typically be available online within a few weeks.

Soil testing will remain free for North Carolina residents outside the peak season which runs late November or early December through March. In the fall of 2026, the peak-season rate will increase from $4 to $5 per sample. The new fee schedule can be found at https://www.ncagr.gov/agronomic-services-nc-grower-fee-schedule/open.

Application of fees are based on when samples are RECEIVED at the Agronomic Division lab, not shipping date, online submission date or when samples are dropped off at the Cooperative Extension Office.

Soil testing outside of the peak season ensures you get valuable insights into your soil’s health at no cost, making it a smart and affordable investment for both residential and agricultural land management.  For more detailed information or assistance with soil sampling, contact your local NC State Extension office or visit the NCDA&CS website.