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Soil Quality:

The simple crumbling test can determine whether the soil is clayish, loamy, or sandy. 

Clay soils retain water and nutrients but they are hard to work.

Sandy soils are easy to work but don't retain water and nutrients.

Normal garden soils are a mixture of clay and sandy elements. Such soils offer the ideal combination: They are relatively easy to work and they store water and nutrients well.

Before you start, you should have a soil analysis performed. Garden centers sell simple testing kits for this purpose. Most garden plants like a soil pH that is slightly acidic. Regular testing of soil pH every few years is recommended to ensure pH levels are kept in optimal range. If you need to raise pH, use lime; to lower pH, use sulfur. 

It's a good idea to test the soil a few weeks after applying the materials to see if you've reached your desired pH value.

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