After you have decided what plants you are ready to put in your garden and before planting, it is important to get your soil tested. This can save you a lot of frustration in the long run and could help your plants from dying. It is important to know what is missing in your soil so you can amend it before you plant.
If you are planting low maintenance plants the soil amendment may not be as important but if you are planting an azalea or Camelia bed it is very important to know what you are working for or against. Rose beds have different requirements as well as vegetable gardens. I will admit, I did not see the importance in testing my soil but as challenges have presented themselves, I have come to grips with the fact that soil content does indeed have EVERYTHING to do with what will grow.
Go online and find the extension office in your area. You can give them a small baggie of your soil and have the PH levels tested for a few dollars. That will be a good start to see what you can plant or how you can amend your soil as needed. You can also speak to a Master Gardener while you are there if you have any questions! In Volusia County the extension is at 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand, FL 32724. I would advise giving them a call to find out their hours and availability for dropping off your soil: 386-822-5778.
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