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Re: Soil pH

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

Thanks to everyone for your input concerning my soil pH level.  Here's a 
little information--this is a raised bed garden with a silty loam soil 
texture.  I had the soil brought in from a location that was for many years a 
dairy farm. This was my first year to do square foot gardening. I have done a 
limited amount of soil amending as I have replanted from spring to fall. The 
agent at Extension Service who went over the report with me said that this 
was very fertile soil.  In addition to a pH of 8.1, the analysis indicated 
high phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium, low sodium.  He did not 
mention lowering the pH, and I did not ask him that specifically.

 After a very late start last spring, I had a decent summer garden, but have 
had a fantastic fall/winter crop.  Great broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, 
brussel sprouts, lettuce, still coming in (at least until the last couple of 
days when freezing rain/sleet moved into our area...haven't been able to get 
out to check as there is still a covering of frozen rain on everything!) 
Point being that the production has been pretty good for starting from 
scratch.

I didn't realize that 8.0 is 10 times higher than 7.0, and that 6.5 is where 
I should aim.  Also that high pH affects availability of nutrients.  

I will ask the agent more specifically about the pH situation and get his 
recommendations.  I will let you know what he says.  At this point it sounds 
like peat moss and compost would be the way to go.

Thanks again for all your help...so much to learn...and so many knowledgeable 
gardeners on this list!!

Juliana
Zone 8 NW Louisiana


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