You are correct in that ph needs to be correct..or close to correct...for whichever type of plant you are growing. A good soil test will also show how much "N", how much "P", how much "K"...what the humus level is, as well as both ph counts. You CAN get results on the trace elements, for extra $$, if you want. There are tons of folks who garden, and never have their soil tested...tons of folks who supplement their soil "by the seat of their pants"...and tons of folks who have wonderful luck doing it. My thoughts are, if the guys who "do it as a business (farmers, large scale nurseries, etc.) test their soils, and add 'accordingly', it's probably not a bad idea !
