RE: pH meters
- To:
- Subject: RE: pH meters
- From: B* P*
- Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 11:27:48 -0500
- Importance: Normal
Boy, this is a good question that has crossed my mind many times. I even
invested in an inexpensive pH meter with probes on it (the probes had to be
vigorously polished with a special cloth before use), but I never thought it
was accurate - I stuck it into a mild solution of vinegar, and then soapy
water, and there was little difference in the readings. And now, after
sitting on the shelf for a couple of years, it doesn't work at all.
I have also tried a simple Sudbury soil test kit with chemicals that
purported to measure nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus as well as pH, but I
never knew how accurate it was either. I attempted once to grow a blueberry
bush here in my limestone-based soil - and even though I treated the soil
with sulfur - the bush gave up the ghost after sadly hanging on for a few
years.
The extension service in our county/state will do tests, but there are
several different areas that I need to test, like Gene. And, I sometimes
grow Sweet Peas in a garden space one year, then potatoes there the next
year (potatoes requiring a more acid environment, I believe). So, is this
really practical for a small garden? Maybe just an average from a blended
sample would be best for me. I would be interested to hear what others do.
Barb in WI
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