Hello, 

Thanks for reaching out about soil testing.

The Master Gardener plant desk offers free pH tests for soil. They are located in the Benton County Extension Office on 4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333. Their phone number is <personal data hidden>.

For more comprehensive options that do have a cost, here are soil testing services commonly used for garden soil testing:

• Simply Soil Testing (just for gardens & landscapes)
• A & L Western Labs (garden packages but also serves commercial farmers)
• Western Laboratories, Inc. (garden packages but also serves commercial farmers)
• Farm and garden stores in your area may sell mail-in kits (check places like Wilco, etc.)

Check the company’s website for fees and instructions on mailing samples. Make sure to send enough soil. There are no local walk-in labs in our area. Everything is mailed these days.

Remember to list what plant you want to grow in the area (vegetables, lawn, fruit trees, blueberries, etc.) and request recommendations with the soil test. Then, you will get specific advice on adjusting the fertilizer rates and pH for optimum growth.

Here’s an OSU Extension article with helpful info on soil testing. It covers collecting samples, the full list of soil testing labs, and how to interpret results.

Good luck with your garden and let me know if you have additional questions.

I was actually wondering about a more extensive test for the nutrients of the soil not the pH. Is there anything like that available? Thank you!

Hello, 

Please see the second part of my previous answer for info on more comprehensive tests. Simply Soil Testing, A & L Western Labs and Western Laboratories, Inc all provide more extensive options depending on the depth of information you're looking for. I hope that helps!

Happy gardening!

Thank you! I didn't see that part on my phone. I'll check that out. Appreciate the help!