Where in the world are you?

If in the United States many state universities do soil tests for a relatively nominal fee, they range from free to $20.00 per sample and will indicate the soils pH and major nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, and the Cation Exchange Capacity) and give recommendations for corrections that may be necessary. Then there are these simple soil tests to use in addition that can help you know what is needed.

1) Soil test for organic
material. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in
a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and
replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24
hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight.
For example, a good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the
bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above
that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top.

2) Drainage. Dig a hole
1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains
away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain
away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains’ too quickly and needs
more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the
soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up.

3) Tilth. Take a handful
of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is
released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a
finger that clump should fall apart.

4) Smell. What does your
soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant
odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria
will be and the nicer your soil will smell, to a point. Too much organic matter
can be bad as well.

5) Life. How many
earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5,
according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that
is not healthy.

kimmq is kimmsr

thanks! I am in San Diego, Ca.

I'm not sure where to get soil tested in CA but someone here will know. I don't think the state has labs for it out there.

It never hurts to add compost. Since it takes time to get a soil test, you could dig in 1/2 - 1" of compost and plant. If the soil looks especially bad (not dark and rich but clayey or sandy with little organic matter), you could add more than that. Chances are things will be fine.

Any real serious nutrient deficiencies found through testing that seem to need urgent action can probably be treated during the growing season with soluble fertilizers, lime if the pH is too acidic, etc.

Or, if you're not in a hurry to plant, you can just wait.

Oooooh, Saabiar! San Diego! Such a perfect gardening place! Ca doesn't have soil testing through the extention offices anymore, but you can get a lot of info by contacting them. Also, I'm sure you can get info from some organic nurseries in the area. My Brother used to live in the area and had beautiful gardens! Have FUN!!!!! Nancy