You should be able to get a fairly comprehensive soil test at your local agricultural extension. I'm sure that there is one available in Mass, and there is also one at University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension and they do soil testing as well (or now it looks like the send them to another lab that does them).

Here is a link that might be useful: UNH Cooperative Extension soil testing

UMass does it too. They're pretty inexpensive, and you get a nice report, including what amendments (organic and not) you might consider, given the results of the test.

Here is a link that might be useful: UMass Extension soil testing

thanks guys - especially for the link

happy spring

What specifically have you tried to grow in these two areas?