Our Soil Testing and Soil Testing Labs web page provides information about the testing process, how to take samples, and which area labs you can consider using. (UMD does not have its own soil testing lab.) We can help to interpret the results if desired, though we also have a page connected to the one above titled Understanding Your Soil Test Report which should be helpful.

Miri

Okay thank you, also is this where I can ask questions about planting around the Waldorf area? If so do you recommend soil testing before planting in the ground? 

On Friday, November 22, 2024, 9:42 AM, Ask Extension wrote:

You are welcome to ask planting questions here on Ask Extension, and your local county Master Gardener group can also be a handy resource. Soil testing is a great tool for any type of gardening, but is primarily used for vegetable gardens (to assess soil nutrient content, acidity/pH, and to screen for heavy metals like lead) and for lawns (to determine if liming is needed and what type of fertilizer to use, mainly). Commonly-grown flowering shrubs, perennials, annuals, and trees don't necessarily need to have the soil tested before planting, but it still helps to inform you about the soil nutrient profile, organic matter content, and acidity/pH, since some plants are more particular about soil acidity level than others.

Miri