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Laboratory Soil Testing

Soil Testing Service

Healthy lawns, gardens and landscapes all begin with the soil beneath them. The Mill’s Laboratory Soil Testing Service provides accurate, science-based insight into the chemistry and physical structure of your soil, helping you make informed decisions that lead to stronger plants and better results. Instead of guessing which products to apply, a soil test gives you a clear diagnosis and a targeted plan based on your soil’s unique needs.

What a Soil Test Reveals

A professional soil analysis measures essential chemistry levels like pH, nutrient content and buffer pH, as well as key physical attributes such as organic matter, soil type and cation exchange capacity (CEC). CEC is especially valuable because it indicates how well your soil can hold and supply nutrients to your plants. These factors work together to determine root development, water retention, fertilizer performance and overall plant health.

Testing your soil helps you:

  • Maximize your lawn or garden’s potential
  • Understand pH and nutrient balance
  • Apply the right amount of fertilizer and lime
  • Save money by avoiding guesswork and unnecessary applications
  • Support the environment by reducing chemical overuse and runoff into waterways

With a complete picture of your soil, you can correct imbalances before they create bigger issues like thin turf, poor plant growth or nutrient loss.

Expert Interpretation and Recommendations

Receiving lab results is only the first step. The Mill’s specialists review your report and translate the data into clear, practical recommendations tailored to your goals and the Mid-Atlantic region. Whether you’re growing turf, vegetables, ornamentals or forage, our team explains what your soil needs and outlines a step-by-step plan to improve long-term soil health and plant performance.

How to Collect a Soil Sample

Proper sampling ensures accurate results. Follow these steps for best outcomes:

  1. Gather 10 to 12 samples from throughout your lawn or garden.
  2. Sample 4–6 inches deep for lawns and 6–8 inches deep for gardens.
  3. Remove the top 1/2 to 1 inch of thatch from each sample.
  4. Avoid rocks, sticks, grass and leaves, collecting soil only.
  5. Mix all samples in a clean bucket.
  6. Bring one quart (in a zip-top bag) of the mixed soil to The Mill.

We send your sample to the lab and typically return results with expert recommendations within two weeks.

Purchase a Soil Analysis

John Vinson

Turf Expert

David Boniface

Certified Crop Advisor