Most gardeners get their soil tested before they start, but even though I knew about it way back when I never bought the kit and tested it at any garden I ever started. You can test your soil at home, without one of those soil test kits that you can purchase from your local county extension offices. No, it won't give you the PH of your soil, but it will tell you what it consists of.
Dig into your bed about 6 inches to reach the soil that comes into contact with your plants' roots. Fill the jar about halfway with soil. Add water until the jar is full, and then screw the top on tightly. Shake the jar for a minute, then let it set for 24 hours.
Without disturbing the jar, check for any layers that have formed and mark their divisions with a crayon. (Heavy clay soil might not break up at all and instead remain solid.) The lowest, heaviest layer is sand. The next layer is silt. The top, finest layer is clay. Organic matter will usually float to the top. Ideal soil, or loam, is 40 percent sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay.
I think this will give you an idea of what you need to add to amend your soil. As always, I promote composting, composting, & composting. It is the absolute best way to recycle for our planet, and the most frugal way to amend your soil, and add nutrients to promote growth to your existing plant life. Go in peace with your garden. We may not ever achieve the 'Hanging Gardens of Babylon', but we can have beautiful things in our gardens to remind us that life is beautiful.
Ps Yesterday I posted a blog post Another Planting Bed. I forgot to publish that when I wrote it, so I found it yesterday afternoon. Ha! I plan to plant my Cherry tomatoes there, but as of last evening those seeds have not sprouted. Hope to see them soon.
Ps I redid the Wattle Fence for my neighbor, and she helped me cut Crepe Myrtle branches and shore it up yesterday afternoon. Now it goes completely around her shade garden area and looks really good and strong. I don't think the rabbits will be able to get in there. I can't wait to see the Hosta's and she already has Ferns in there and they will be prolific in another year.
Peace & Plenty. 
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