Gardening Information and Soil Testing (GIST)

Free Soil Testing Service. Determine soil pH levels, soil texture and receive recommendations for establishing healthy soil. Testing sites are located throughout RI.
request a GIST exhibit
URI Soil Test Form
2025 Soil Testing Schedule

URI Soil Testing Service

  1. Statewide – attend a community event where our Gardening Information and Soil Testing (GIST) booth will be. Click here to see the 2025 schedule.
  2. URI Kingston Campus – drop off your sample with a Soil Test Form Monday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. or mail in a sample. Print the form, complete it and send it along with your sample to:

    URIMGP Soil Testing
    3 East Alumni Ave
    Kingston, RI 02881

Collecting a Soil Sample for Testing

  • Dig ½ cup of soil from the root zone (4-6” depth) using a spade
  • Allow the sample to air dry on newspaper or a paper plate – we cannot test wet soil!
  • Place the dry soil sample in a clean plastic or paper bag and label it “A”, “B” or “C”.
  • Download and print the Soil Test form .

Need to dig deeper?

Full nutrient analysis options:
The University of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory and the University of Massachusetts Soil & Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory offer in-depth soil analysis for a nominal fee. These tests determine a) Nutrient levels and fertilizer recommendations; b) Elevated lead levels or other toxic heavy metals; and c) Proper soil amendments to avoid pollution of local waterways. It is suggested to test soil every few years, and is particularly important when installing new garden beds or in established gardens that are not performing well.