Could not find forum for this question. Just did soil test. Took soil from 4" below top and from 4 different areas. If I'm reading it right the pH is between 7 & 8 Nitrogen is very low Phosphorus very low Potash is low What do I do? And what are the best products to use? Do I need to buy commercial products or are there home remedies? I'll take all the help I can get. moderator's note: moved topic to more appropriate forum
Compost is the best thing to use to balance the PH and the mineral requirements of your soil. However, the following can be done for a "quick fix": Compost for lowering the PH, slightly acidifying the soil. You can also add sulphur and mix it in the soil at the rate of 1 pound per 100 feet. Potash level can be raised by adding wood ash directly to the soil. Nitrogen--well-rotted chicken or turkey manure will boost the nitrogen level. Phosphorus is also found in wood ashes, but the more effective way to add it to soil is to use bone meal. You can do a quick fix now, but adding compost over a year or two will greatly help your soil.
soil test Sounds like you have some fairly poor soil. Just remember you have to add to it every year, it's not a one-time thing and forget about it. You need to add organic matter whether you go all organic or use commercial balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. With that ph you don't need lime but you will need to add the compost (after this year)after you pull all your plants in the fall and let it set all winter.
You can buy test kits which can help you with types of soil. If you want to go organic you can use organic matter such as grass clippings and decayed leaves.
DonnaS... I just tested my soil (have to take a few more samples though and compare). I tested soil that has never been amended or planted in or anything... just a field of grass. This is what I have in that spot.... pH = 7.5 very very low Nitrogen Medium Phosphorous and Potash I need to remember to stop and get a couple more test kits and see how my soil is in my flower beds, since I've been amending and gardening there for a couple of years. Did you amend your soil after this posting? What did you use? Has it made a noticeable difference?
Hi Cheryl, Yes I amended last fall with mushroom compost and my own compost. The plants are lush and very big now. They are not producing much but I think its because of all the rain we have had here. If it's not raining tomorrow I'm going to test again. I will let you know.
