Our Soil Health Test Kits are perfect for anyone seeking to make data-driven, informed decisions about soil management that will ultimately enhance growth and sustainability. Soil samples are analyzed for their unique biological, chemical, and physical properties; when tested together they provide a more holistic assessment of soil health. Soil test results are emailed in an easy-to-understand Soil Health Report that lets you dig deeper into exploring the health of your soil.
We know that it can be a little intimidating buying a Soil Health Test Kit based on soil science terms or from what seems like the periodic table of elements (buying a soil test shouldn’t require passing a chemistry exam). To help you get the perfect Soil Health Test Kit we’ve organized our different test menus into the following four groups. Each group will allow you to explore the assorted Soil Health Test Kits best suited to help you reach your unique goals.
Soil Sample
Our Soil Health Test Kits are shipped to you in a box containing everything you need to collect and send us your soil samples. Your kit arrives with one or more soil sample collection containers (sample containers vary based on the Soil Health Test Kit ordered), one outer containment bag, one Soil Sampling Instruction booklet, one box sealing sticker, and a return shipping label. Currently, we’re only only able to provide testing services for samples received from Ontario, Canada. We’re always growing our services to better meet the needs of our customers so we’ll be expanding soon!
Soil Sample
Our Soil Health Test Kits are shipped to you in a box containing everything you need to collect and send us your soil samples. Your kit arrives with one or more soil sample collection containers (sample containers vary based on the Soil Health Test Kit ordered), one outer containment bag, one Soil Sampling Instruction booklet, one box sealing sticker, and a return shipping label. Currently, we’re only only able to provide testing services for samples received from Ontario, Canada. We’re always growing our services to better meet the needs of our customers so we’ll be expanding soon!
Soil Analysis
Each of our Soil Health Tests examines the biological, chemical, and physical properties of your soil. It is vital that each of these properties is tested because much like a puzzle with pieces missing, without all the data, it is impossible to have an accurate snapshot of the health of the soil. In fact, it is the synergy between the soil biology, chemistry, and physical properties that helps build overall soil health. In order to complete soil testing in the laboratory, we use state of the art equipment that is calibrated for traceability and compared against blanks and standards to ensure accuracy and precision every time.
Soil Amendments
Plants use the energy that they produce from the sun to feed soil microorganisms around their roots and they actually work together to make the soil healthier. There’s no need to add fertilizers or amendments to soil that is already balanced for optimal growing conditions. Soil testing identifies nutrient deficiencies or excesses, which means that better decisions can be made about what is added to improve soil fertility. Often an imbalance of just one soil nutrient can create a cascade of problems. Making educated decisions about what is added to soil and in what quantities can save a lot of money and have major environmental benefits.
Soil Amendments
Plants use the energy that they produce from the sun to feed soil microorganisms around their roots and they actually work together to make the soil healthier. There’s no need to add fertilizers or amendments to soil that is already balanced for optimal growing conditions. Soil testing identifies nutrient deficiencies or excesses, which means that better decisions can be made about what is added to improve soil fertility. Often an imbalance of just one soil nutrient can create a cascade of problems. Making educated decisions about what is added to soil and in what quantities can save a lot of money and have major environmental benefits.
Soil Health Test Kits
We have developed our Soil Health Test Kits to examine soil samples for their unique biological, chemical, and physical properties; when tested together they provide a much more holistic assessment of the health of your soil†. We provide the results of your test in an easy-to-understand Soil Health Report that lets you dig deeper into exploring your soil. It’s the perfect test for organic gardeners and farmers who want to use data and evidence to make the best decisions about managing their soil.
We know that it can be a little intimidating to buy a Soil Health Test Kit based on soil science terminology or from what seems like the periodic table of elements (buying a soil test shouldn’t require passing a chemistry exam). We’ve tried making it simpler for customers to pick tests by providing recommendations for “typical users” who will most benefit from our different test kits.
Still unsure about the Soil Health Test Kit that’s right for you? Let’s dish the dirt about your soil at info@soilhealth.ca
Soil Testing Benefits
One of the challenging things about soil science is that our understanding of it is still expanding, but there are literally 1000s of studies from all across the globe that have proven the beneficial relationship between healthy soil and better-growing plants. When we test your soil, we’re examining its unique biological, chemical, and physical properties by using various tests that measure separate indicators. You’re able to use the information shared in your Soil Health Report to make informed decisions about how you can best care for your soil. You’re able to make changes to your soil that will help it become sustainable. At the same time, you’ll be influencing the enhancement of your soil to meet your own goals and needs, whether they’re growing more food, caring better for your soil, or even helping to fight climate change.
Soil Testing Solutions
Nature usually gets things right itself but when we interact with soil, using it for growing and harvesting, we can quickly degrade its health. With repeated cycles of misuse, soil can actually deteriorate beyond the point that it can support plant growth. Living soil can quickly become dead dirt! In fact, many of the common gardening and farming techniques of soil tilling, spraying with herbicides and pesticides, applying annual fertilizers, leaving bare uncovered soil over the winter months, and many more traditional behaviours, are all quickly being recognized as disastrous from a soil health perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for shipping fees?
Shipping fees are included in the cost of your Soil Health Test Kit. We use Canada Post Expedited Parcel shipping services to ensure your kit arrives to you quickly and that your soil sample is returned safely to our laboratory for testing.
How do I collect a soil sample to send you?
We provide you with instructions and supplies to collect and send a soil sample in your Soil Health Test Kit. Overall, you will be making one, large, representative soil sample made up from separate smaller soil samples. You will collect these smaller soil samples from throughout the entire area you’re interested in testing (not to exceed 25 acres). We recommend you collect at least 15-20 small samples to make up your large, representative soil sample. You’ll want to collect soil samples from 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) below the surface, which is the area in which most plant roots will be growing. If you’re collecting samples from your lawn or turf, the samples can be taken from a depth of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Overall, you’re sending us a sample for testing that is about 2 cups of soil. You can review an example of our Soil Health Test Kit sample collection instructions here.
When is the best time to take a soil sample?
The best time to start knowing more about your soil health is right now! In fact, there is no wrong time to collect and send a soil sample for soil health testing. If you’re planning on repeated soil health tests in the future, then it is important to collect and send your soil samples at roughly the same time of the year (for example, if you send your first sample in the fall for a soil health test then future tests are best completed in the fall). Tests completed at the same time of the year in the future allow you to develop consistent data that may be comparable. Typically, most people collect and send soil samples for testing in the autumn or at the start of the dormancy season because it allows them to make the necessary changes in preparation for the upcoming growing season. If the results and recommendations from the soil test are implemented, there’s plenty of time for any changes that have been made like adding minerals to the soil, to digest and become available to the roots of plants before the planting season. Soil tests done in the fall also provide you with plenty of time to locate the nutrients and fertilizers that will work best based on your own growing needs and soil management practices. Of course, you can also collect and send soil for testing following the spring thaw. Samples collected and sent just after spring thaw doesn’t set you up with as much time to act upon the results and recommendations from the test, but you’ll still have very useful information to keep in mind throughout the rest of the growing season. Lastly, if you’re only collecting and sending a soil sample from your lawn or turf, the best time is typically in the midsummer months.
How do I know that my soil samples arrived safely?
We use Canada Post Expedited Parcel shipping services to ensure your soil sample is delivered quickly. The return shipping label that is included in your Soil Health Test Kit contains a unique tracking number. After you have mailed your Soil Health Test Kit you can use this tracking number to follow its delivery progress along the journey to our laboratory for testing.
Can you rush my soil test?
We process soil samples as they are received. We do not rush soil testing. We need at least 2-5 business days depending on the Soil Health Test Kit ordered. Typically, once we have your soil sample, we aim to complete all tests and email you a copy of your Soil Health Report within 7-10 business days.
How will you send my Soil Health Report?
After we receive your soil sample, we need at least 2-5 business days to complete all the individual soil tests and develop your unique Soil Health Report. Sometimes the soil samples we receive are too wet and need extra time to dry which adds a couple of days. Typically, once we have your soil sample, we aim to complete all tests and email you a copy of your Soil Health Report within 7-10 business days. You can review an example of a Soil Health Report here.
Where is your soil laboratory located?
We are proudly located in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Burlington is rich in history and modern traditions of many First Nations and the Métis. From the Anishinaabeg to the Haudenosaunee, and the Métis, the land spanning from the shoreline of Lake Ontario to the Niagara Escarpment are steeped in Indigenous history. The territory is mutually covered by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy, the Ojibway and other allied Nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. SoilHealth.ca acknowledges that the land on which we operate is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We humbly acknowledge that we are not the first ones to call this spectacular land home.
Can we drop-off soil samples directly to the laboratory?
At this time, we are not accepting soil sample drop-offs at the laboratory. We use Canada Post Expedited Parcel shipping services to ensure your soil sample is delivered quickly. The return shipping label that is included in your Soil Health Test Kit contains a unique tracking number. After you have mailed your Soil Health Test Kit you can use this tracking number to follow its delivery progress along the journey to our laboratory for testing.
How long does it take for a soil test?
After we receive your soil sample, we need at least 2-5 business days to complete all the individual soil tests and develop your unique Soil Health Report. Sometimes the soil samples we receive are too wet and need extra time to dry which adds a couple of days. Typically, once we have your soil sample, we aim to complete all tests and email you a copy of your Soil Health Report within 7-10 business days.
Are there any restrictions I need to know about?
At this time we are only accepting soil samples from Ontario, Canada. Orders placed outside of Ontario, Canada cannot be fulfilled at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience.
I live outside of Ontario but can I place an order?
At this time we are only accepting soil samples from Ontario, Canada. Orders placed outside of Ontario, Canada cannot be fulfilled at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Can I test my potting soil or other growing media?
The soil health testing services we provide are intended for mineral soils not for potting soils or alternative growing media. Please check back often as we are expanding our testing services options.
Can I send manure for testing?
At this time, we are not offering individual soil properties testing services such as manure testing. Please check back often as we are expanding our testing services options.
Can I send compost for testing?
Yes. We have recently expanded our soil testing services to include compost testing.
I am a farmer and need accurate testing and recommendations so is this test right for me?
Yes. If you’re a farmer you definitely know about the importance of your soil. We can support you to meet your goals by providing you with accurate and reliable test results. We ensure that all scientific methods used are updated in accordance with advances in soil science to maximize testing accuracy repeatability. We use state of the art equipment that is calibrated for traceability and compared against blanks and standards to ensure accuracy and precision.
I am growing cannabis so is this test right for me?
Yes. If you’re growing cannabis for enjoyment or medical needs you’ll want to focus on the nutrients available in your soil to promote disease defence and the harvest yield of your plants. Growing cannabis in holistically healthy soil can dramatically enhance the overall aroma and flavour, potency, and robustness of your plants.
Will your recommendations include pricey products and expensive fixes?
No. We empower our customers with data and knowledge about the health of their soil so that they can make informed decisions about how they want to proceed. Our Soil Health Report does not promote, endorse, or market products. An educated customer is better able to find and purchase products and services that best meet their own growing needs and support local businesses.
How many kits do I need to order?
Most home gardens and lawns, and even larger market gardens, will typically only need one Soil Health Test Kit. Your kit arrives with instructions to aid you with collecting a large, representative soil sample gathered from the total area you want tested. There is no minimum area from which you can collect your soil sample and the maximum area that can be tested with one kit is 25 acres.
Why would I need to order more than one kit?
You may benefit from purchasing more than one kit if you’re interested in knowing more about two or more separate growing areas. Reasons you may want to explore more than one area could be if you want to compare one area where plants are growing very well with a second area where plants are experiencing poor growth performance; if you want to compare an area along a fence line where the soil has been undisturbed with a second area where the soil has been tilled; or even if you’re just interested in testing your garden with one test and your lawn with another test. Areas larger than 25 acres will require two or more kits. For these reasons and ‘soil’ many other real-life situations you may want to purchase one or more separate kits.
How frequently should I test my soil?
Many people test their soil each year or every other year (annually or bi-annually). The results of your first soil test will create a baseline against which you can compare future testing results. A follow-up test is recommended after you have made changes to your soil (i.e., making nutrient adjustments or changing how you interact with your soil). The follow-up test allows you to see if you’re having a positive influence on the biological, chemical, and physical properties of your soil and improving your soil health.
What are the Turn-Around-Times (TAT) for your soil tests?
Depending on the Soil Health Test Kit you have ordered, the number of soil properties we are testing for in the laboratory will vary. After we receive your soil sample, we need at least 2-5 business days to complete all the individual soil tests and develop your unique Soil Health Report. Sometimes the soil samples we receive are too wet and need extra time to dry which adds a couple of days. Typically, once we have your soil sample, our TAT for completing all tests and emailing you a copy of your Soil Health Report is 3-10 business days.
Buy Now
Whether you’re a sprouting new gardener, or a seasoned professional, we can help you dig deeper into the health of your soil. By now, you may have realized that the most important part of your garden or farm is the soil…we can help ensure it is healthy and able to perform for you season after season. Our Soil Health Report can save you effort, time, and most importantly resources and money.