You're local? Cool! We need to get together when lockdown is over (meaning, when it's really over and safe; after the second wave, say). You could give me gardening advice in person! :)

Thanks for advice about the soil & the store. I got my first set of tools and some indoor plants from Home Depot. We're actually going to Jacavone Garden Center (in Johnston), today, on the principle of supporting locally owned, independent businesses. Another local friend recommended it to me. As to soil test... not in my budget, sadly. I'm just going to have to wing it. Maybe next year? I'm only going to use about a third of the available space this year. Maybe next year if I decide to use more space.