61 State Street, Troy, NY 12180        518-272-4210

                         Horticulture Department

Soil Analysis

Soil can be tested for pH (which indicates the need for lime or sulfur) in our office. One cup of soil taken from several points in the yard or garden at a one to three inch depth and mixed together is sufficient. The cost for a pH test is $2.00.

Soil can also be tested for a wide range of nutrients, including pH, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, micronutrients, salts and organic matter content. These samples are sent to Cornell University by our office. Two cups of soil are needed. Fertilizer and lime recommendations based on the crop you are growing are returned. This test takes a minimum of two weeks and costs $15.00 per bag if we mail it, and $10.00 per bag if you do.

Submitting samples:

Samples can be brought to our office at 61 State Street in Troy, NY 12180, any weekday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. We are closed on government holidays. Samples can also be mailed to the above address.  Include the following information:  Your name, address, telephone number, the crop you are growing, how recently the soil was fertilized and how much was used, and if the area is sunny or shady.

Our Master Gardener Room located at 61 State Street, Troy, NY