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Raspberries Fertilizers & Kits & Asparagus

Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html

>>  But better to test N,P,K,pH first.
A $15 kit will test 10 times.

>A $15 test kit may test 10 times but it will also give you
10 different answers even if you are testing the very same soil.

*I get good repeatabilty, but I am a careful person.
Although results can not rival good tests, this makes
it (like a cheap tool) all the more important to use care.

> For an accurate soil
analysis anywhere in the U.S go to the local county Agricultural Extension
Service office and request a box for a soil test kit. The box will come with
instructions 

*Cai\lif... Ag is so much business, we have no Ag agent.
Funny, but makes sense in a backward way...

> only cost will be the postage to mail it in. This
test is far more accurate and far more detailed

*I love details!

> than any off the shelf brand test kit you can buy.
(Or at least than any brand I've ever seen and/or used - 

*I am aware of other fields and their testing
and totally believe this.

>Also add 5-10-10 per 100 Sq Ft. (Standard low N starter fertilizer.)

*Yes.  Exact number not critical.  MORE on this later.
Am compiling info now.

>The soil test will recommend a specific ratio and amount
of fertilizer, based on the test results and the type of
crop you want to grow.

*Can do with the kit I use, but to really understand,
and not just follow their reccommendations, is a bit
of using the ole noggin, I admit.  You could just
use their advice.  I want to understand.  So it's more work
for me.  You would either follow the Ag's advice,
or question "Why?"

*Main point is, I mostly agree!!!
But I have no Ag.
Private tests cost.
Somefolks want to know THIS WEEKEND and haven't planned
in advance, have their bareroot, etc.  So I'd say...
A kit, carefully used, is better than nothing.
Best, MIGHT be a kit, and an Ag test, compare.
Learn and understand, either quantitatively,
or intuitively, or both.  MOST places would let
you complain, proof in hand, if you really were
careful, and found the kit lacking.

Bottom Line?
Green thumb?  Stick your thumb up at us. LOL
Thumbs of other colors?  Take pot luck, better,
ask a local nusery, better, a kit, then show
results while asking, best, Ag test, show nursery
and ask if you've interpereted correctly.  Buy
the chems etc there, and second or third guess THEM!

Worst choice.
Dig a hole too small.  Add nothing.  No texture amendments
like humus and gypsum (for those who can use it to advantage)
and no chem ferts.  Don't use a kit and above all,
never get Ag help or talk to your neighbors.
You could get lucky!

I have a kit.  I amend it with my brain and
all I can find with which to compost it.

Bill
Up for the experience of a LIFETIME?  With a Medicine-Man?
http://www.experientials.org  An ULTRA FAST LOAD, and pretty!
Mushroom Growing - Winter Hobby?
http://www.egroups.com/group/mycology/info.html
Need a List to follow An'OT'thread a little while w/a few?
http://www.egroups.com/group/an-ot-garden/info.html

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