Before planting foodstuffs in your yard be sure to test your soil. Many times soil can contain lead and other heavy metals that can be unhealthy. It is easy to get your soil tested to ensure a safe and healthy growing environment.

Below are step by step instructions for taking and submitting a soil sample:

The sample should be a mixture of 12 separate samplings taken from different points around the future garden area. in each spot dig 6-8 inches.

Place each of the 12 randomly spaced samplings in a clean container (pail or bag) and mix thoroughly. Spread the mixture out on a clean paper to air-dry (do not place soil in an oven).

Mix the soil again. Put one cup of the soil mixture in a zip-lock type bag.

Label the outside of the bag clearly with the your name and address

Fill out an order form.
Here is a link to the form:
http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/soilbrochd.htm

Print the order form and fill it out:

Under the heading Sample Identification put your name
Under the heading Crop Codes put "1 2 and 3 home vegetables, flowers,herbs and fruit trees"
Under the heading Test Types, circle "B"
Under the heading Fee put "$9.00"
Under the heading Order Total put "$9.00"

The bag of soil and filled out order form should be sent together in one package with $9.00 check to:

Soil and Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory
West Experiment Station
682 North Pleasant Street
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
United States of America

http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/