There are some plants that will need to have specific soil requirements to be planted. To get a soil test done, you will need to mail your test to a lab.
What lab should I use?
I did some research on this and found the Smiling Gardener who seemed to know what he was talking about. He said that these two labs were good.
https://www.cropservicesintl.com
When?
You should do this before you put in your vegetable garden. Also, you might need to do different soil tests for different areas of your garden.
Do the soil tests in the fall so that you can add the proper nutrients to the soil (at least 4-6 weeks before your planting)
Where?
Identify the beds that you want to do your test in. Get different soil samples from the area (6 spots in the garden). Go down 6-8 inches and put that soil in your large bucket. Stir up the soil in the bucket. Get 1-2 cups of soil. Label the garden areas accordingly.
Do a soil amendment.
If you have to adjust your PH level, you will have to do the soil amendment when the soil is warmer.
Conclusion
There is a lot to taking care of your soil because soil is one of the building blocks to your vegetables.
I will update this as we dig into this.
I am taking Melissa K. Norris’s course on gardening and sharing what I learn. Check her site out for more info.