Hillsborough County Extension
Diagnostic Tests

Only soil pH testing is offered by the Hillsborough County Extension office. The cost is $2 per sample. See instructions below.

Other soil testing must be sent to Gainesville. For information on available tests, prices, and sampling instructions, click here - http://soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu/ESTL Pages/ESTLAnalysis.htm

Soil pH - Local

pH testing provides the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the soil and a recommendation for adjusting the pH if necessary. It does not provide information about nutrients, diseases, insects or nematodes. pH tests are conducted every Friday morning, so samples should be submitted no later than Thursday afternoon. There is a $2.00 fee for each sample. Please make checks payable to "Master Gardener Program."

How to take a soil sample: Using a trowel or shovel, take 10 "slices" of soil (4-6" deep) from the area you want to test. Combine the slices into one sample which should equal at least 1 cup of soil. Spread the soil on a piece of newspaper and allow it to dry completely before bringing or mailing the sample to the Extension Service. Be sure to note what plants are growing in the soil to be tested e.g., vegetables, citrus, St. Augustine grass, azaleas, etc.

The results of the soil test will be mailed to you early the following week.