Soil Testing Service: test your soil with a home sampling kit
Our soil testing service tells you what your soil needs, so you can spend less time guessing and more time growing. You take a sample when and where it suits you, post it to our accredited laboratories, and we email you a clear report, with lime and fertiliser recommendations if you want them. No colour charts to squint at and nothing else to buy. See an example soil report.
This is our direct, kit-based service for individual customers. If you need larger or specialist testing, such as soil biology, contaminants or field trials, see our soil analysis for research and industry or browse all our analytical services.
Who it’s for
Farmers and land managers. Check whether a field needs lime before you spread, and plan fertiliser so you only buy what your crops will use.
Gardeners. Find out why some plants thrive while others struggle. We’ll send a report written for gardens, not fields.
Groundsmen. Keep pitches, courses and grounds in top condition with reliable readings you can compare year on year.
How it works
- Order your kit online or call us on 01224 395115.
- We post your kit out to you. It has everything you need except the spade.
- Take your sample, following our guide to taking a soil sample.
- Label your sample and tick the analysis you want on the container.
- Post it back in the pre-paid packaging.
- We test your sample and email your report within 15 days of receiving it.
Your kit is valid for one year from purchase, so you can wait for the right time of year to sample. A result is only as good as the sample behind it, so the guide shows you how to combine small scoops from across a field or garden into one sample that reflects the whole area.
What our soil testing service tests, and what it costs
Choose the level of detail you need. Prices are per sample, include VAT at 20%, and cover the kit plus UK postage both ways.
| Analysis | What it tells you | Price |
|---|---|---|
| pH | How acid or alkaline your soil is, and whether it needs lime | £44.40 |
| pH and nutrient status | Adds how much magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) is available to plants, to guide your fertiliser plan | £73.20 |
| pH, nutrients and organic matter | Adds organic matter, which affects how well your soil holds water and drains | £88.80 |
Why choose the James Hutton Institute
Soil is what we’re known for. We’ve worked with soils and farmers for over 90 years and we look after the National Soils Database for Scotland, so your sample is in experienced hands.
Our laboratories are independent and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for testing laboratories. We don’t sell fertiliser or lime, so our recommendations are based purely on what your soil needs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. We welcome samples from gardeners and groundsmen as well as farmers. Let us know it’s a garden sample and we’ll send a report tailored to gardens. See example reports.
You pay when you order online, by credit or debit card or with PayPal.
We’ll email it to you. If you’d like a paper copy as well, just ask.
Often, yes, including from the Republic of Ireland. Rules on sending soil across borders vary, so please get in touch before you post anything and we’ll advise.
Yes. Our laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, an internationally recognised standard for testing laboratories.
Ready to get to know your soil? Order a soil sampling kit online, or call us on 01224 395115 and we’ll get a kit in the post to you. Got a question first? Call or email info@huttonsoils.com and we’ll be happy to help.