Dig a small hole about 6 inches deep then use a separate, clean trowel or large spoon to remove a handful of soil (about 200 grams or 7 ounces) from around the sides of the test hole. Your tools should be clean stainless steel or Teflon-coated because any rust or soil left on the tool will contaminate your sample. Thoroughly clean and dry your tools before collecting a new sample.