Heavy Metal Soil Testing FAQ
July 16, 2025
We are continuing to accept samples heavy metal soil testing until September 30th. See below for some Frequently Asked Questions about our program.
What is the deadline for submitting soil samples?
We are accepting soil samples until September 30, 2025.
Can I submit more than one soil sample?
We invite participants to submit 2 soil samples each. However, if your garden space serves multiple people (e.g., a community garden), or is covering a very large area, we can increase the number of samples on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to healingcitysoils@compost.bc.ca to discuss options. Instructions for how to collect soil samples are posted on our website: https://compost.bc.ca/get-involved/test-your-soil-quality/Please note: our program only tests for Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Mercury, Nickel, Lead, and Zinc.
I don’t live in downtown Victoria – can I still participate?
Healing City Soils provides free soil testing for heavy metal contamination to residents of the CRD who are currently growing, or planning to grow food. We are eager to invite participants from North Saanich, Sidney, Brentwood Bay, Langford, Sooke, and other Westshore communities!
I live in an apartment with a rooftop garden – can I get my soil tested?
We do not provide soil testing for residents who are growing in containers (i.e., rooftop or balcony gardens) as we require a “native” soil sample (one that has not been mixed with store-bought soil/compost/amendments) to better understand the distribution of soil contamination and potential sources across the CRD.
When will I get my soil quality results?
We aim to send the soil test result reports to all participants by the end of October with an invitation to a free workshop on Understanding and Addressing Soil Contamination in November 2025 (exact date TBD).
Can I still garden while I wait for my soil sample results?
If you suspect your soil may be contaminated, please check out factsheets 11- Understanding and Addressing Soil Contamination; and 12 – Best Practices for Healthy Urban Gardens for more information.