Michigan: Soil labs by state

Michigan’s official homeowner soil-testing path is now run through Michigan State University Extension’s MSU Soil Test program, after the former MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory ceased operations on December 31, 2022. For homeowners, the current official process is to buy or pick up an MSU Home Lawn and Garden Soil Test Mailer, then mail the sample using the included postage-paid envelope. ([msu-prod-2.dotcms.cloud](https://msu-prod-2.dotcms.cloud/spnl/))

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

Official resources in Michigan

MSU Soil Test

Official Michigan State University homeowner soil-test portal with sampling instructions, results access, and fertilizer recommendation information. ([homesoiltest.msu.edu](https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/?utm_source=openai))

MSU Soil Test: Get Started

Explains how homeowners collect a sample and submit a Home Lawn and Garden Soil Test Mailer. ([homesoiltest.msu.edu](https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/index.php/get-started?utm_source=openai))

MSU Extension Soil Test Mailer product page

Official MSU Extension purchase page showing the current mailer price and that the package includes a postage-paid mailing envelope. ([spartanspiritshop.msu.edu](https://spartanspiritshop.msu.edu/products/bulletin-e3154))

MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory notice

Official notice that the former MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Lab ceased operation and directs residents to MSU Extension support. ([msu-prod-2.dotcms.cloud](https://msu-prod-2.dotcms.cloud/spnl/))

MSU Extension county office finder

Official directory residents can use to find their local MSU Extension county office. ([spartanspiritshop.msu.edu](https://spartanspiritshop.msu.edu/products/bulletin-e3154))

Key facts for Michigan

MSU’s Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory ceased operation on December 31, 2022. ([msu-prod-2.dotcms.cloud](https://msu-prod-2.dotcms.cloud/spnl/))
Homeowners use the MSU Extension Home Lawn and Garden Soil Test Mailer for lawn, vegetable garden, tree, shrub, flower, and small-fruit samples. ([homesoiltest.msu.edu](https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/index.php/get-started?utm_source=openai))
Official instructions say to put about 1 cup of mixed soil in the included bag and place the postage-paid envelope in a mailbox. ([homesoiltest.msu.edu](https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/index.php/get-started?utm_source=openai))
MSU says the home mailer may be available for pick-up at a local MSU Extension county office. ([homesoiltest.msu.edu](https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/index.php/get-started?utm_source=openai))
The official MSU Extension Soil Test Mailer page lists the price as $26.00 USD, with shipping calculated at checkout. ([spartanspiritshop.msu.edu](https://spartanspiritshop.msu.edu/products/bulletin-e3154))
I found official support for direct mail submission, but no official statewide page stating homeowners can drop completed soil samples at county offices. ([homesoiltest.msu.edu](https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/index.php/get-started?utm_source=openai))

What to do next

Start at the MSU Soil Test “Get Started” page, then decide one lawn or garden area per mailer before sampling. ([homesoiltest.msu.edu](https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/index.php/get-started?utm_source=openai))
If you want to avoid shipping delays for purchasing, check your county MSU Extension office first because mailers may be available for local pick-up. ([homesoiltest.msu.edu](https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/index.php/get-started?utm_source=openai))
Use the county office finder if you want to confirm local availability before driving over. ([spartanspiritshop.msu.edu](https://spartanspiritshop.msu.edu/products/bulletin-e3154))

Helpful guides

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