Soil testing for land buyers, farms and gardens

Rural land buyers, hobby farmers, market gardeners, landscapers, community gardens and homeowners planning large garden or building projects.

A flat fee per property or per sample set that covers your visit, lab costs and a short summary report.

• Clear, plain-language explaining
• Careful sampling technique
• Interest in soil, gardening or farming

• Stay within what you are qualified to say, recommendations on structural foundations or contamination may need a licensed engineer
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Commercial general liability insurance
• Ground is often frozen or snow-covered in winter, so work is seasonal in much of Canada
• Lab fees are paid upfront, so price your service to cover them

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your sampling tools, insurance and marketing. Lab fees are paid upfront, so price your service to cover them. Treat these figures as estimates.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many properties you test. Ground is often frozen or snow-covered in winter, so work is seasonal in much of Canada.

Stay within what you are qualified to say. Recommendations on structural foundations or contamination may need a licensed engineer, so check first. Also check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and arrange commercial general liability insurance.