I started a new vegetable garden this year. Unfortunately, I didn't take the time to get a soil test before planting for this year. Some crops were good, others were not. This fall I decided to get a test done. I sent off a sample to the State Agricultural Extension yesterday. I also bought a PH meter. The PH meter showed a PH of a little less than 5.5. This is not unexpected since Cucumbers grew very well (recommended PH of 5 to 6) and a bunch of other veggies that like a PH of 6-7 did not grow well. Since I will have to Lime and add a lot of manure this fall, should I lime before getting the test results from the State or wait? I've heard that I should not add manure and lime at the same time but the amount of good garden working time is going away rather quickly for the year and I definitely have to lime this fall rather than waiting until spring. Do you think the meter (Rapidtest) is close to accurate? Suggestions?

Thanks,

Rick