Community Gardens Soil Testing Program
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.
The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be provided by the CCE Harvest New York team.
A soil test will be made available to eligible applicants in order of receipt of complete application, until funding is exhausted. Shipping costs associated with sending soil samples to the Cornell Soil Health Lab will also be covered under this funding. The Harvest NY team can work with the grower for this part of the process. Please contact the Harvest NY specialist in your area for more information. (See Application for contact emails.)
For program details, download the Community Gardens Soil Testing Program 2025 Program Rules and the Application. Questions regarding this program should be submitted to Mallory Hohl, mdh286@cornell.edu
Asparagus
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Ontario Produce Auction
July 15, 2025
Stanley, NY
This evening meeting will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.
Orleans Summer Vegetable Meeting, 2025
July 16, 2025
Waterport, NY
Meeting themes are pest management in a wide array of produce and best practices for pesticide use. Professor Brian Nault will cover allium leaf miner and thrips in onions, garlic, and leeks, and discuss insect challenges in other crops. Bring your questions! We'll also have a field walk that includes high tunnel tomato and cucumber.
DEC credits available: 0.5 in CORE plus either 1.25 in 1a and 23, or 0.75 in 24.
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Finger Lakes Produce Auction
July 18, 2025
Penn Yan, NY
This evening meeting will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.