Soil Testing Program

Lawn Maintenance

A push mower cutting the grass.Maintaining your lawn is important to the health of our watershed. Without maintenance there can be increased runoff containing high levels of sediment and nutrients. One source of increased nutrient runoff comes from fertilizer application. However, testing your soil can help you learn how much fertilizer you actually need, which leads to a healthier lawn and watershed. Besides having a healthier watershed, soil testing is also a great way to save money. Knowing the amount of each nutrient that is needed makes it easier to find the right fertilizer and apply it in the correct amounts. Keep in mind that there is a law restricting the use of phosphorus fertilizer; in most conditions it should not be used. Click HERE to find out what the exceptions are.

Pilot Soil Test Program

We are excited to announce that the District is rolling out a pilot Soil Testing program with the help of the U of M Soil Testing Laboratory. Participants will be required to dig their own holes to collect soil and drive the sample to our District office, Discovery Point (12800 Gerard Dr., Eden Prairie). Samples can be dropped off 24/7 using our drop box near the main entrance.

This pilot program is being tested in the Holiday/Wing/Rose Lake subwatersheds in Minnetonka for the 2023 year. These areas were chosen based on high levels of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen found in these lakes. This program is part of a larger suite of projects to improve the health of these particular lakes. Click HERE to learn more about these lake projects. Through this pilot program, we will assess the feasibility of offering it watershed wide in the future. We will offer free soil testing kits to the first 50 people in the pilot area who sign up. The District will cover the cost of the U of M soil test.

 

To see if you are in the pilot area and eligible for a free soil testing kit, contact Alissa at greencorps@ninemilecreek.org.

Instructions

  1. Fill out the Wufoo form below to let us know you’ve decided to participate and give us some important information.

    The soil sample dropbox is located around the column from the front door. You may have to squish the bag to get it in the slot.
  2. Check your email. You should receive an email from Alissa at greencorps@ninemilecreek.org with more detailed instructions.
  3. Wait for your soil test starter kit to arrive.
  4. Take a sample. This requires you to dig 5 small holes in your yard, collect soil from them, and put the soil in a bag to be tested.
  5. Drop off your soil sample at Discovery Point in Eden Prairie.
  6. Your tasks are done here, with the exception of checking your email in about 3-4 weeks for the results!

Sign up form

Fill out my online form.

*We are not reimbursing you, please go through our program to receive free soil testing. This program will continue while supplies last or until July 24th, 2023.