Question
I recently had my flower bed soil, from several different areas, tested at TX. A&M Soil Testing lab. Plants were not thriving. It came back High in Phosphates, K, and Mag. Nitrogen was low. PH 7.4
I'm re-working the beds this spring. What suggestions do you have for re-balancing my soil? We live in E. TX. and have sandy soil at our location. I understand that this problem will not correct itself right away. I'm planning on mulching with pine bark.
Thank you for your assistance.

Answer
Hi Charlotte, I'd like to get your pH down to around 6 1/2.  You can lower it with sulfur or aluminum sulfate.  Use the label rates and then test you pH again in 30 days.  Most garden centers will test your pH for free or you can buy a pH meter for under $20 that lasts forever.
Fertilize with nitrate of soda at 1 lb. over 150-200 sq. ft.  Do that every 30-45 days until fall.  If you prefer organic fertilizers, use only blood meal at label rates.  
I would spread an inch or so of compost, leaf mold or finely ground pine bark and till that into the top 3-4 inches of soil.  Then after planting, mulch the surface with pine mulch.
It may be a couple of years before you need to add anything other than nitrogen for food and compost to improve the texture.  Jim