Hey guys, I have a couple questions for ya... -Do you think this is suitable for testing pH in my water/runoff also? Or is it only for soil? http://www.bustan.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=232&txtSearch=2-Way+Soil+Tester+(pH+%26+Moisture)&SortField=ProductName&ProductID=1178&language=en-US -Which of these would be a better fertilizer to add into my soil? http://www.bustan.ca/dr-earth-tomato-veggie-herb-5-7-3-4lbs.aspx http://www.bustan.ca/grow-more-flower-bloom-3-6-6-4lbs.aspx (Im thinking this one because less nitrogen?) Thanks! I'm still new-ish to this
If you are going organic, you can forget about both. With a proper living soil there is no need to test pH. There shouldn't be any run off to test anyway. That's just a sign that you overwatered, in my opinion. And all the nutrients your plants need are already in the soil from the amendments, just waiting to be broken down by the microbe herd and feed to the roots.
I would suggest browsing through this thread here for a general idea on how to build a soil, as well as others' mixes if you're not into doing it yourself. http://forum.grasscity.com/organic-growing/1116550-easy-organic-soil-mix-beginners.html I wouldnt waste money on a PH meter or the fertilizer you linked. Take a bit of time and check out the resources here; there is more information than you can digest in a year throughout this forum. It can and will save you time, money and effort should you pursue this growing paradigm, which is modeled after nature and refined with certain materials not usually found within local soils. (kelp, neem, crab shell, etc) We do not waste resources, can (and should) even utilize other plants, (stinging nettle, comfrey, horsetail fern, etc) gathered for free, as fertilizer or in an IPM program, continuously use our soil for years (no till or recycled) and consistently produce high quality fruit (flowers) all with just the use of water. No mixing, no measuring, no adjusting PH....just water. And the best part....it translates directly to food production in the garden or the field, in terms of knowledge and processes. So you can take the information you learn here and use it outside to cultivate food for yourself or your family. We also tend to have a very friendly atmosphere here so don't be afraid to ask questions should you have any.
Perfect advice, and I agree with the last sentence, the first part of it. The people here are a lil more friendly/less childish than on other forums, that's why i'm here in fact.
True dat. There is a wealth of knowledge to be had for the reading around here. I'm about to finish up my first year of growing my own and I couldn't be happier with my production overall. Sure, I made some mistakes along the way, but a living soil and a healthy plant can be pretty forgiving of human stupidity. They've been at it longer.
True dat. There is a wealth of knowledge to be had for the reading around here. I'm about to finish up my first year of growing my own and I couldn't be happier with my production overall. Sure, I made some mistakes along the way, but a living soil and a healthy plant can be pretty forgiving of human stupidity. They've been at it longer.