School-based garden soil? - Ask Extension
Hi! I work at the Winooski School District in a middle/high school special education program. I am starting a garden project, which I am very excited ...
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School-based garden soil? #930791
Asked May 06, 2026, 11:05 AM EDT
Hi! I work at the Winooski School District in a middle/high school special education program. I am starting a garden project, which I am very excited about! I am wondering how I can tell if the soil is good here and whether we will be able to cook and eat the vegetables we grow with students. Like if they will be safe to eat once we have grown them. Thank you!
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
Hi Caro! Thanks for reaching out to our UVM Extension Gardeners!
That sounds like a great project!
You're wise to question the soil -- it's key to your success.
You can have your soil tested in the UVM Soil Lab for a modest fee.
Here's a link to our Master Gardener web site's "resources" page:
https://www.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardener/gardening-resources
If you scroll down to the "Soils & Soil Health" topic and expand it, you'll find links for:
I hope you have a modest budget for your project. The basic soil test that analyzes your soil's pH and nutrient content costs $17; for an additional $10 you can have your soil tested for heavy metals. This would be a wise choice if you are concerned that the soil might contain lead or other toxic heavy metals.
Finally: if you plan to amend the soil to add organic matter (like compost) and/or to add loft to the soil for drainage (like peat moss): it's wise to do this first and mix it all in well before sending in your soil sample.
We are here for you on your gardening project adventure! Check out the other resources at the link above and submit additional questions as needed via this AskExtension path or via phone on Thursday mornings.
Wishing you and your students a lovely time in the garden,
- Robilee
That sounds like a great project!
You're wise to question the soil -- it's key to your success.
You can have your soil tested in the UVM Soil Lab for a modest fee.
Here's a link to our Master Gardener web site's "resources" page:
https://www.uvm.edu/extension/mastergardener/gardening-resources
If you scroll down to the "Soils & Soil Health" topic and expand it, you'll find links for:
- Soil Testing
- How to Take a Sample
- Helpful Articles
I hope you have a modest budget for your project. The basic soil test that analyzes your soil's pH and nutrient content costs $17; for an additional $10 you can have your soil tested for heavy metals. This would be a wise choice if you are concerned that the soil might contain lead or other toxic heavy metals.
Finally: if you plan to amend the soil to add organic matter (like compost) and/or to add loft to the soil for drainage (like peat moss): it's wise to do this first and mix it all in well before sending in your soil sample.
We are here for you on your gardening project adventure! Check out the other resources at the link above and submit additional questions as needed via this AskExtension path or via phone on Thursday mornings.
Wishing you and your students a lovely time in the garden,
- Robilee
