this thread is getting very interesting.!!!
have read from the competitive grower to the backyard grower, and I do see both sides of this thread.
but you know it's up to you how you wish to grow in your garden!!!!
of the members here there is only a handful of master or competitive growers that tweak and peak their soil to grow the biggest and badest fruits and vegetables, more power to you.
your input is very important and it is, that's why we are here I love too learn, knowledge is power!!!!!
what it boils down to is if you want a great productive garden either as a backyard gardener or master, go down to your county cooperative extension and get some soil kits and send them in.
once you get the results back form the lab, if you have questions contact them.....that's what your paying your taxes for!!!!
the soil test kits you get from the box stores only give you a basic $ 4.95 reading of
ph
nitrogen
phosphorus
potassium
which are the 4 basic main key elements to growing..
having your soil tested though the county could be free to a few dollars per test, it's well worth it in the long run..
a good key is if that if your crop that your growing this year does recommend that you grow in the same area the following year rotate it with a crop that can handle the same levels of ph and nutrients.
the wife went down to the co op ext today to pick up some soil kits since I was intrigued on our soil condition as well as the virgin land i am planning on planting and what their recommendations are
she was asked what we are growing since the only things are perennials here is blackberries and kiwis, she was ask if we where interested in getting involved in the spotted wing drosophila study.
here's the high point she called me to ask if it was ok, was on a overseas call to Italy on reprograming a PLC<Programmable Logic Controller>the algorithms where not set correctly at the factory , since I was on hold figure I could take a quick call.
note: never take a call while dealing with Italians, they will hang up on you...lol it only took 2 hours to get a hold of them again.
of course i said yes and i am reading up on it.....
