What can a soil test tell you and how can you get one?
A soil test will provide detail information on your soil -- Acid or Alkaline, Sand vs. silt vs. clay, Organic material, Minerals and provide suggestions on how to amend it to optimize the conditions the plants will enjoy. For most vegetables and flowers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. Check out this bulletin A2166 - from UW Extension for "Sampling lawn and garden soils for analysis.
The University of Wisconsin Soil Lab conducts tests at a cost of $15. Detailed instructions for submitted a sample for home lawn and gardens is at this website: https://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/soil-samples/lawn-garden/
The University of Wisconsin Soil Lab conducts tests at a cost of $15. Detailed instructions for submitted a sample for home lawn and gardens is at this website: https://uwlab.soils.wisc.edu/soil-samples/lawn-garden/