Free soil, toy screening at Master Gardener Plant Sale

Did you know that harmful metals such as lead and arsenic could be in your garden, yard or play- area soils? As we transition from spring to summer, the increase in hot, dry and windy weather can increase your risk of exposure to those contaminants.

The Mason County WSU Master Gardener Program is excited to join with staff from the state Department of Health to offer free soil and toy screening for lead and arsenic at our upcoming Master Gardener Foundation of Mason County Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Lynch Creek Farms, 130 E. Export Road, Shelton. Staff will also be able to explain your results, offer guidance and share information on ways to reduce harmful exposure.

Collecting a soil sample for this event involves a couple of steps.

Step 1: Identify an area of interest for your soil sample. This might be part of your yard, your garden space or a children’s play area.

Step 2: Collect soils. For a large area, collect soil from five to 10 random spots in that area and combine all of the samples in a clean container. For a smaller area, collect soil from three random spots and combine all of the samples in a clean container. If you are collecting from a garden space, you will want to collect all soil in your sample locations from the surface down to 6 to 8 inches deep. If you are collecting from a nongarden space, collect all soil in your sample locations from the surface down to 1 to 2 inches deep.

Step 3: Mix soil well in the clean container.

Step 4: Remove pebbles, flat rocks, roots. Air dry. Do not use a flame, oven or hairdryer to dry the soil.

Step 5: Transfer 1 to 2 cups of the mixed soil into a clean, 1 quart, sealable bag.

Each area requires its own sample. If you want to bring a sample of more than one area, repeat steps 1 through 5 in separate labelled bags. Clean your mixing container between samples. There is a limit of three sample bags per person.

For more information and soil sampling instructional videos, go to http://www.tinyurl.com/bd38p3hy.

For more information about the Master Gardener Foundation of Mason County Plant Sale, go to http://www.mgfmc.org

If you have questions, contact the Master Gardener program coordinator, Tessa Halloran, at [email protected] or 360-427-9670 ext. 682.

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