We're all familiar with NPK the 'macros' and a handful of 'trace' elements, but I am not sure how much has been done in the way of measuring toxin levels and nutrition content of food grown in different soils. I believe much of the traditional knowledge is based primarily on chemical companies writing their own literature on what will increase yield.

Gosh folks, give the OP a break. The info listed wasn't bad. Why don't we support people instead if immediately jumping down their throat. I see someone excited about gardening.....not everyone is a pro. The OP might be a pro, maybe some cultural differences.

This is a good list of things to know, but doesn't touch much on what to do with the information. It's not an actionable list. As such, the list is good as a reminder for what an experienced gardener needs to know before starting a new garden. One might add a few sentences to each item about how the information obtained determines necessary actions. That would help novices.

There are many questions that come up in this forum with the flavor -- "I'm starting a new garden and I know nothing - what should I do?", and it would be useful to have a compact statement that can serve to get the new gardener off to a good start.

My last two soil tests (and I've only ever done two in a few decades) have said that my soil needed no fertilizer. That's useful info, and a soil test is worth that info. I got my tests from an ag extension that has no connection with those who sell chemical fertilizers, so they have no incentive to push the stuff.

We had a conversation here recently about whether soil tests are important. I think the result of that conversation is that no, a yearly soil test is not important, and that no, you don't "always" need one, but when one is starting a new bed, a soil test can get you off on the right foot. The fear of "modern tech" is one of the curiosities that I have always been amused by, especially when it comes to soil testing.

I had to reread art's comments several times....and I still don't quite get it :-) I see no obvious advertising on this site (other than Houzz products or Houzz-supported vendors). Certainly nothing that promotes the use of "agrochemicals" or obviously stifles the contributions of gardeners that prefer to follow a more organic approach. Heck, there's a whole bunch of forums here that are specifically directed towards organic or sustainable gardening practices!!

btw, most soil testing labs will make recommendations for the use of synthetic fertilizers (everything has a chemical base!!) because they are widely available, relatively inexpensive, the easiest to calculate for rate and application and are fast acting. Of course you are free to substitute with an organic product if that is your preference but it becomes a lot more complicated to figure out how much you need and when and how to apply. And they are more expensive, pound for pound.

>> btw, most soil testing labs will make recommendations for the use of synthetic fertilizers (everything has a chemical base!!) because they are widely available, relatively inexpensive, the easiest to calculate for rate and application and are fast acting. Of course you are free to substitute with an organic product if that is your preference but it becomes a lot more complicated to figure out how much you need and when and how to apply. And they are more expensive, pound for pound.

one thing i've learned is less is more, and i only fertilizer twice a year. one application prior to planting and another application after fruit set. a seven dollar 8-pound bag of 2-5-3 organic fertilizer is enough for 125 square feet.. yes, it's slightly more money than the five dollar box of synthetic miracle grow that would cover 500 square feet, but in the end, the organic comes out cheaper as it also improves soil structure. i'm also a huge believer that better soil structure improves flavor of what is grown.

i never have done a soil test and every year i end up with 8ft+ monster tomato plants. i only grow organically and confident to say that it makes a huge difference in keeping the soil balanced and conditioned. i make my own compost and add a little organic fertilizer and it's ready to go.. often, i plant tomatoes in the same exact spot year after year.. there is so much organic matter built up over the years that in the following spring when i dig out any remaining dead plants, all the roots have decomposed and become part of the soil.

who fertilizes the jungles and checks the soil? mother nature does organically. ;-) everything is lush, green and healthy.

soil structure plays a huge role in overall plant health.. it's widely known that good bacteria/fungus fights off the bad bacteria/fungus. so it's another thing to factor when growing organically. lots of good insects inhabit rich soils and plants are generally less prone to diseases..

i think a soil test might seem like a good idea for an area that has never been used for growing, or if you use a lot of synthetic fertilizers year after year as it's much easier to overdo with synthetics, and often they have way to much of everything.

10 years ago maybe it would not have been economical to grow organically, but prices are very reasonable now, and it's no longer a 'fad' that many thought it was.. go look at your average garden center. Homedepot, Walmart, etc... the organic fertilizer section has practically phased out the synthetic section due to how affordable they have become.

i also recommend anyone who has never grown anything to start with organic fertilizers. they are more forgiving and harder to kill your plants. pretty sure more people have killed their plants with miracle grow than with a bottle of smelly fish ;-)

There is nothing "off topic" about discussing soil testing on a thread for new gardeners!! It is very much ON point!! And there is nothing false about any of the information that as been posted.

Or was this just supposed to be your own private treatise on how YOU think new gardeners should approach the project..........???