When I got home from work last night my daughter called and said she didn't have any hot water. The water ran, but was cold. So, daddy went and bought her a new water heater last night. I put it in this morning then went to work on the other house I'm remodeling. Needless to say, I'm tired, but will answer a few things. I'll continue the discussion about the soil, probably with base saturation and pH tomorrow.
majorcatfish said:
monty you even think about contacting the learning channel? you would be good on there.
Sorry, I'm not that good. I have some teaching and public speaking experience, but only about things I am highly trained in.
marshallsmyth said:
I am seeing that there are a lot of subtopics that can be discussed and explained about soils! Once we get the main overview, why don't we start on the subtopics.
There are thousands of subtopics. Perhaps after the basics, we can get into micro-nutrients next, then just go from there.
baymule said:
Now that's funny! DW loves it when I'm dirty. It means I've been working :/
Durgan said:
From where I sit, soil testing in a backyard garden, a few square feet at the most, is a total waste of time.
So most gardens are a few square feet at most? Hmmm, I wonder how anyone grows anything on three square feet? Personally, my garden varies from 3800 to 10,000 square feet depending on what I'm growing. So, your garden is heavy clay, good for you. You probably don't even know what a blessing that is for you. Then again, you probably don't even know the pH of your soil. Lucky for you that you have that clay.
seedcorn said:
To answer nutrient uptake vs. pH
Sorry just saw what it was. Charts were correct but for those growing weed. I'll find charts on another site. Sorry
http://www.extension.org/pages/9875/soil-ph-and-nutrient-availability
Better, sorry
Don't be sorry. Weed has different requirements, but you can learn a heck of a lot about hydroponics, lighting, and soil from the people that grow the cash crop. Those people are growing for a living, literally. They are into it way more than I am!
For those looking for a soil test, choose wisely. County extension agents can do them (through the University) for free or a small fee, but you rarely get all the information you need. Professional labs charge a slightly higher price, but are usually faster and give you everything you want. I use A&L Labs Eastern. They have labs all across the country and in Canada (I believe). Choose the one closest to you for the best results. I don't work for A&L, nor do I have any affiliation with them. They always treat me good and have a great turn-around and will email the results to you as well as send a hard copy in the mail. I can't vouch for all of A&L's labs, but the one I use is willing to answer the phone and let you speak directly with the person who did the test. I have found them to be extremely smart people.
