Avoid sampling unusual areas such as those next to drain spouts, next to foundations or paved areas, and areas where you have spilled lime or fertilizer in the past, near gravel roads, manure or compost spots, brush piles, or under eaves. If you are planning to landscape in such an area, have a separate soil test done for that location. Place the samples in a clean pail or container, and mix the soil thoroughly. Then transfer one-half pint of mixed soil to a container and send it to the soil testing lab. Contact your local Extension agent for soil sampling boxes and proper sampling procedures.
Soil texture has a few stories to tell, too, especially about watering.
We'll look at that in our next issue.