Leaf tissue should be placed in a paper bag. Do not wrap or enclose leaves in plastic bags. Do not send roots or soil. Air dry wet plant tissue before shipment. If sampling instructions are not given for the crop being submitted, sample the most recent mature leaves. A "Plant Submission Form" (see example in Forms Section) should be completed with as much information as possible to ensure appropriate recommendation.

• DO NOT SAMPLE
  • Diseased, insect or mechanically damaged plants.
  • Stressed plants (i.e., drought or extremes in temperature).
  • Plants in advanced fruiting stages
  • Tissue that is contaminated with dust or soil. If all the tissue available is dust, wash gently in flowing water. However, do not prolong washing because some nutrient elements like potassium are water soluble
• Plant samples should be placed directly into a paper bag of appropriate size. DO NOT WRAP OR ENCLOSE samples in plastic bags or other impermeable containers. Allow succulent or wet tissue samples to air dry at least one day before mailing to the laboratory.
• When sampling plants with suspected nutrient deficiencies at times other than recommended, take two samples, one from the normal plants and one from the abnormal plants. Place in separate mailing kits and make reference to each on history form.
• If sampling instructions are not given for the crop you wish analyzed, a good RULE OF THUMB is to sample the most recent mature leaves.
• Complete the questionnaire as accurately as possible. The more complete the questionnaire is filled out, the better the interpretation and recommendation will be. Place this information (Plant Submission Form) inside the mailing envelope and mail with the samples
• When possible, collect a soil sample at the same location the plant sample was taken. Send soil sample separately from plant samples but make reference to each other so the interpreters have access to the soil and plant analysis data.