A soil test is one of the most important things you can do to make sure your soil is ready for planting. You need to make sure the soil has the proper pH balance, that it has balanced minerals, and that it is fertile. Once you've planted, you also need to monitor the moisture level in the ground so you don't under or over water the plants.

What Kind of Soil Test Is Necessary?
There are several kinds of soil tests you can do. The most basic is to test the fertility of the soil. If the soil is not fertile, it will be hard to grow anything other than weeds. Another extremely important soil test is to check the pH balance. If the soil is too acidic or too alkaline, plants will not be able to flourish as they should.

Another soil test you can do is to check the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels in the soil. Without these, the plants will not have the chance to grow and thrive. pH balance also affects how the plants are able to absorb the minerals that are there.

There are online lawn and garden shops that sell excellent and affordable test tools and kits. If you test everything ahead of time, you will not have to worry as much about your plants being healthy. A little forethought goes a long way in growing a beautiful garden.