I actually talked about this a little bit in the entries on pH in February, 2018. But maybe something a little more comprehensive or at least just addressing soil sampling should be added. Testing the soil will get you much more information than just pH. You will get nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) information on the garden. N, P, and K are the chemical symbols for these nutrients. They are also called macro nutrients. You will also get parts per million, ppm, on other elements your crops might need. The other elements are called micro-nutrients and trace elements. You also get the amount of organic matter that is in your soil. The organic matter helps to keep nutrients in a state that you plants can use and also increases the holding capacity of the soil. The holding capacity refers to both nutrients and water.
The N, P, and K are what most fertilizers try to handle. Some also contain some micro-nutrients and trace elements but that is not their purpose. You could just put fertilizer on your garden without getting it tested. Generally you will want fertilizer that has "low" nitrogen content and higher phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen helps plants make green stuff like foliage. The phosphorus and potassium help plants to "fruit". It the garden we usually want fruit and not foliage so less emphasis on the nitrogen.
To find out what your soil needs, you get it tested. The testing starts with obtaining a soil sample. If you have a relatively small garden take a scope of soil from 3 or 4 areas in the garden and put them in a clean bucket. Mix the samples together thoroughly. Once this is complete take about a cup of the mixed up soil and put it in a plastic bag. Label the bag with your name and address and the type of testing you would like done to it. The bag labels are a precaution in case it get separated from the forms you will submit with it. Fill out the appropriate forms for the test facility. If you have a garden larger than a 1000 square feet you might consider dividing up into areas and having each area tested.
There are many test facilities but only a few to testing appropriate for Alaska's soils. The soils we have are are kind of unique because of the combination of volcanic ash and glacial silt. The cold temperatures have an effect on the soil as well. I send my soils to Brookside Laboratories in Ohio. You can check out the test information on the Alaska CES site. The site lists other labs for soil analysis and the types of tests necessary for Alaska soils.
Once you get your results in email. I would refer to an article like this one to understand all of the numbers. It will take a little time and study to work it all out but I'm sure you will be able to do it. You can always go to your local horticultural person to get some help. They are really busy in the spring so be patient but be persistent.
Now that you are armed with the information you need you can pick up fertilizer, whether organic or not, and help your garden produce the best vegetables you can. Be sure to plant at least one row for a local food pantry or soup kitchen. Many garden supply businesses give plants or seeds if you tell them that is what you are going to do with it.
May your harvest be bountiful and have a great time in the garden.
