Soil Tests

• A soil test on your vegetable garden analyzes the soil's composition to determine your garden's fertilization needs. Soil tests are available from garden centers or your local university extension office can perform a soil test for you. For the most accurate results, obtain soil samples from several areas of your garden. The soil test analyzes the pH of the soil and may also identify the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil.
  
  

Fertilization Products

• Fruits and vegetables need sufficient nitrogen to grow and it is sometimes the only product needed to address a soil deficiency. Most commercial fertilizer products contain certain percentages of nitrogen, phosphate and potash; choose the percentage needed in your garden based on the results of the soil test. When garden soils are overfertilized, the levels of phosphorus and potassium may become too high, which is why nitrogen is sold individually and sometimes the only fertilizer applied. While nitrogen supplementation is often helpful, overusing nitrogen also can result in excessive leaf growth and weakened plants that become more susceptible to disease.
  
  

Conditioners

• Soil conditioners are a form of fertilization; many types are organic. Applying soil conditioners takes some time to change the texture of the soil, but when applied regularly they can improve the soil's workability, aeration and drainage, in addition to providing nutrients for the vegetables growing in the garden. Soil conditioners include manure, sand, perlite, wood chips, peat moss and compost.
  
  

Application

• Apply fertilizer when preparing the soil and at planting time. Commercial fertilization products come with specific application directions and some are broadcast onto the soil for even distribution. When applying soil conditioners, shovel about 3 to 4 inches of the organic matter onto the top of the soil and work it into the soil with a rake or tiller.