Cooperative Extension

1. The soil must be dry.

2. For each area you sample (i.e. front yard, or back yard, or vegetable garden), you will need to take 8 to 10 small samples, in a zigzag manner (20 small samples is better for larger areas).

3. Dig 4 inches deep for a lawn soil sample, and 7 inches deep for everything else, and leave out any grass, thatch, or mulch.

4. Take a slice from the top of the soil to the 4 inch or 7 inch depth.

5. Repeat this until you have about 2 cups of soil, then mix all the small samples together.

6. Place it into a zip lock bag and bring it into the office.

Get a clean (sterilized) glass jar or bottle to collect the 6 ounces of water you want tested (bring extra in case of spillage when you transfer the water into our specialized bottles). 

For a Georgia Expanded Water Test (W2)

Collect 16 ounces of water in a clean (sterilized) glass jar or bottle.

To collect your water sample (W1, W2):

Collect your water from a kitchen faucet or a faucet used most often for drinking and cooking.

A first draw water sample should be collected either early morning or evening upon returning home to ensure that the necessary 6-12 hours stagnant water conditions exist.
Place a clean sample container below the faucet and gently open the cold water tap.  Completely fill all sample bottles being careful not to contaminate the sample.  To prevent contamination, do not touch the inside of the bottle or lid.

The basic soil test, our most popular test checks for pH/Lime Requirement, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Manganese. We offer a myriad of soil tests. For additional soil testing options, contact our office.

Water samples can also be tested for a variety of purposes. The basic water test checks for pH, water hardness, and the presence of 16 minerals.

Radon occurs naturally when uranium breaks down to form radon. Uranium is often found in high concentrations in granite and rocky soils. Radon is released into the soil and can easily enters a home through the foundation and well water. Watch this video to see how to test your home - https://www.fcs.uga.edu/extension/home-radon

Because you did not identify your plant, please visit http://extension.uga.edu/about/county for help in identifying your plant, possible diseases and how to rid your plant of the disease.

Step 1: Application & Selection
Included in this step is the completion of a few forms and an interview with the local Extension Office. 

Step 2: Training & Exams
Trainees complete 42 hours of core horticultural training and two exams. 

Step 3: Volunteer Service
Within the first year after training, trainees complete 50 hours of volunteer service. To remain a current, active master gardener volunteers give at least 25 hours of volunteer service hours each year and track their accomplishments using an online recordkeeping system. 

Who is eligible? 

• All youth, grades K-12, residing in Fulton County may join 4-H. 
• Any person, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability may enroll as a 4-H member.
• 4-H does not charge dues or require uniforms. However, there are fees and dress associated with certain events and programs.  Activities and events available to youth vary by grade.

Age Divisions
4-H provides programming by school grade.
• Cloverbud: Youth in K through 3rd grade
• Cloverleaf: Youth in 4th through 6th grade
• Junior: Youth in 7th and 8th grade
• Senior: Youth in 9th through 12th grade

Complete a 4-H Enrollment Form and return to your nearest Fulton County Extension Office.  404-762-4077.