#1. Collect your soil sample(s). To make a soil sample, simply scrape off the top inch or so of soil in the area you'd like tested and dig out roughly one to two cups worth. Please let the soil dry out, then place in a sealable plastic bag. If testing a large area, take multiple samples and mix the together. For more details on how to take a good sample, click here.
#2. Fill out an information form for your sample(s). If you have just one sample, just fill out the form below to get started. If you have more than one sample, and:
a) You plan to treat each sample area separately: please fill out an additional form for each sample (example: one area has shrubs you plan to use manure on, and your other is a vegetable garden that you plan to use bagged fertilizer).
b) You plan to treat each sample area the same: you can fill out one form and note any differences (example: HT1 is two years old and HT2 is three years, both are getting the same fertilizers and both are growing mixed vegetables).
#3. Pay online for your sample(s). If you have just one sample, follow the pay instructions normally. If you have more than one sample:
a) After you fill out the form for the first sample, pay for all of them.
b) Then return to this page, fill out the form for the next sample, and choose 'Already Paid'. Repeat this for each additional sample you would like to submit.
#4. Bring soil samples to our office at 432 E. Pioneer Ave. in downtown Homer, AK. We have set up a safe and convenient outdoor, on-the-go drop-off station with instructions for you.
We send off your sample to the testing lab. The results come back. Usually this looks like a foreign language to most people. So then Homer Soil and Water will develop recommendations tailored to your specific growing needs and send them to you by email.
This usually takes 2-3 weeks on average, so plan ahead.
The cost is $35.00 each for the first 3 samples and $30.00 each for any additional samples (Ex: samples 4, 5 & 6).
We wish you a successful growing season!.