Master Gardener Volunteer Column

Soil Testing for Community and Home Gardeners

Hands holding a pile of soil with graphic overlays showing soil health concepts, including “SOIL BALANCE,” pH control, temperature, and nutrient elements like calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). The background is blurred earth, emphasizing soil composition and testing.

Community and home gardeners who grow food and share their harvests are eligible for free soil testing through the Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.

The program is a partnership of Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, and the Cornell Soil Health Lab. It provides a comprehensive soil test, which includes analysis for heavy metals and nutrients, at no charge. 

Soil testing can help you evaluate the overall health of your soil, including its fertility and whether there are any contaminants present. They serve as guides for amending your soil to ensure strong and healthy harvests.

To apply for the Community Gardens Soil Testing Program, you must be part of a food-producing community or home garden where the harvests are shared at no cost with your community. Applications for the 2026 program will be accepted until the funding is exhausted.

To learn more or to apply for the Community Gardens Soil Testing Program, visit https://harvestny.cce.cornell.edu/submission.php?id=171&crumb=urban_agriculture%7C7 or email Mallory Hohl at mdh286 [at] cornell.edu (mdh286[at]cornell[dot]edu). 

 

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