Re: fav organic fert

**"* C* <d*@gmail.com>**

-----Original Message----- 
From: Daryl
Subject: Re: [GWL] fav organic fert

>Soilless container mixes pretty much need everything, and testing them is 
>cost-prohibitive

I agree, Daryl. In fact, I take it a step further I don't think most home 
gardens need soil tests except for pH.  Cooperative Extension excommunicated 
me from the local Master Gardeners group that I helped found and train for 
this heresy. In most neighborhoods, especially older neighborhoods, the soil 
has been so disturbed and moved around and added to over the decades that 
you would need to test every foot or two. For a farmer with forty acres of 
homogeneous soil, saving ten percent on unneeded fertilizer makes a 
difference. For the home gardener using 7/8th of a tablespoon per gallon 
instead of one tablespoon isn't such a big deal.

FWIW, I make potting soil for my many largish planters using 1/3 potting 
soil left over from last year, 1/3 sifted compost, and 1/3 ground bark. Then 
I feed with "blue water" as needed. I know; I'm evil.

Duane Campbell
Syndicated garden columnist
Author: Best of Green Space; 30 Years of Composted Columns 

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