Soil Sampler Probe (USA, Genuine, Original);

Is soil sampling really necessary?
YES. Discovering which fertilizer and PH adjusting products your soil needs is the secret to a green thumb. And nutrients are mobile, meaning they rinse below the roots over time.

Why not just take from the surface? Or just use a shovel?
You need an equal amount of soil from all depths of the root zone. And a shovel would leave a mess.

Is this the right probe for me?
YES. Not only is it the most affordable- but it's advanced simplicity® design has a low-friction coating inside that the chinese knock-off doesn't. The reviewers that plugged this probe likely did so by trying to take 2 samples at once, or by sampling in mud.

How do I load it?
Hammer the probe down to the desired depth, wiggle it a bit to loosen, and then pull it out.
REQUIREMENT: Use the included protector and a 3 pound hammer to prevent probe damage. (Small hammers damage it like a machine gun.) As with any soil probe, muddy soil will make a muddy mess, and soil that is dry and as hard as a rock is very bad too.
And obviously if you feel the probe suddenly hit a solid rock, don't try to just power through it.

How do I unload it?
Flip the probe upside-down over your container, then give the soil core a little nudge at the pointed end of the probe to release it. The soil column falls out, often in one beautiful column.

How do I analyze the soil samples now?
Remember to add a "Soil Test Kit" to your Amazon basket if you want to quickly analyze your soil samples yourself. Or, your local Extension Service may analyze it and make recommendations for free like they do for us.

Who is Advanced Simplicity? And what about that ®?
Advanced Simplicity is a family business in the heart of the USA that specializes in professional soil sampling. It is protected by USPTO Registration# 5,635,573.