Soil labs by state
Maryland
Maryland homeowners are directed by University of Maryland Extension to use recommended outside soil-testing laboratories, because the University of Maryland no longer operates its own soil testing lab. The main Maryland-specific official pages are UME's Home and Garden Information Center soil-testing guidance, the FAQ on how to submit samples, Maryland Department of Agriculture lawn-fertilizer rules, and UME's county office directory. ([extension.umd.edu](https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Find your county Extension office
- Official page →
Official resources in Maryland
Maryland's main homeowner page for choosing a lab, collecting samples, mailing them, and understanding what a basic soil test includes.
Explains which kind of test Maryland residents need and says homeowners mail labeled samples with the lab's submission form.
Official directory residents can use to find their county or city Extension office.
State fertilizer-law page linking Maryland residents to UME soil-testing information and stating when a soil test is required for lawn phosphorus.
Key facts for Maryland
- University of Maryland says it no longer has a soil testing lab. ([extension.umd.edu](https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs))
- UME says homeowners should choose a lab, complete that lab's form, and mail sample, form, and payment directly to the lab. ([extension.umd.edu](https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs))
- UME says labs typically require about 1 cup of soil per sample. ([extension.umd.edu](https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs))
- UME says basic soil tests typically cost $11-$30, plus mailing costs. ([extension.umd.edu](https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs))
- Maryland requires a soil test before phosphorus may be applied to established lawns. ([mda.maryland.gov](https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/fertilizer.aspx))
- UME's locations page says residents can connect with local agents at 24 county and city sites. ([extension.umd.edu](https://extension.umd.edu/locations))
What to do next
- Start on UME's soil-testing page, pick one recommended lab, and download that lab's current submission form before sampling. ([extension.umd.edu](https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs))
- Take separate samples for different areas like lawn, vegetable garden, or front yard, then mail each labeled sample as that lab instructs. ([extension.umd.edu](https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs))
- Use the UME county office directory if you want local Extension help interpreting results or borrowing a soil probe; do not assume county offices accept drop-offs unless your office confirms it. ([extension.umd.edu](https://extension.umd.edu/locations))
Helpful guides
- How to take a soil sample for a lab test
- University soil labs vs. private labs vs. home kits
- How to read a soil test report
- Soil pH and lime: what your test is telling you