amending new veggie garden’s soil

Question

I took a home soil test and my soil has a pH of 5, so it’s pretty acidic. The potassium level is on the high end, but the nitrogen is extremely low and the phosphorous level is low. What should I add to it this fall so that it will be ready for planting in the spring? I live in Massachusetts. I have just rototilled the plot. It is 300 sf. It is also brand new. I would like to use organic amendments. I saw wood ash is good for bringing the pH up – and I have three fireplaces so I have a source! But I also read that it brings up the potassium level which is also really high. So maybe that’s a bad idea. What do you suggest I do? I am not far from a beach – would seaweed help somehow? I added a little chicken poop I bought in a bag.

Answer 1

Lime is the most traditional option for raising soil pH, and it would be preferred over wood ash in your situation because lime doesn't contain potassium:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/adding-lime-to-soil.htm

The two most common types of lime are allowed in organic farming/gardening, but slaked lime and burnt lime are not considered organic:
http://organicgrowersschool.org/1027/ask-ruth-types-of-lime-how-to-use-them/

Seaweed does help with soil fertility and is great for plants:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/composting-seaweed.htm

This article discusses organic options for adding nitrogen:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/nitrogen-plant-fertilizer.htm