When do you test soil in a new growing area?

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I am curious how others think through soil testing during the first few years of growing, especially when you are working with both annual vegetables and perennial plantings.

I can see the value of getting a lab test early. It can give a clearer picture of pH, phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, salts, and major imbalances. It also seems especially useful when planting something that depends heavily on pH, like blueberries, or when the land history is unknown.

At the same time, I keep coming back to the basics first. Can the soil breathe? Does water soak in or run off? Does it stay waterlogged or dry out too fast? Is there compaction, crusting, bare soil, weak roots, or low organic matter?

Before spending money on a full soil test, I tend to want at least a rough texture test, a simple pH screen, living roots, mulch, compost, biomass, and some time watching how the plants respond.

In the comments, I would like to hear your thinking. Do you see soil testing as a first step, a confirmation tool, or something that depends on the crop and the condition of the soil?

How do you usually approach soil testing in the first three years of a new garden, food forest, or perennial area?

I test before planting so I have a baseline from the start.

I observe and build soil first, then test in year two or three.

I test annual beds early, but wait longer on perennial areas.

I only test when plants struggle or when pH-sensitive crops are involved.

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When do you test soil in a new growing area?