Hi. First off I'm wondering where to look in NZ for soil testing. Every website and video I see online talks about it but they all refer to the American system I think.
Secondly, is it really that necessary to test your soil? Especially if you're doing raised beds or other no-dig methods such as lasagna or square-foot gardening, is it still a good idea to test your soil?
You need to be a member of ooooby3 to add comments!
Well I would just contact Environmental Fertilisers and ask them... that fertiliser you refer to is a good all round boost isn't it?
Sarah Walsh said:
Hi Claire, I want to pick your brain...I've just done some PH soil tests around my garden, and much to my surprise the results are 7 - 7.5. I was expecting them to be below 6 and was then going to add lime. I have been to Kay Baxters workshop on growing nutrient dense food and am following the instructions in her leaflet on growing nutrient dense food. However, now that I've found that I have neutral/alkaline soils, I'm suddenly not sure what to do. She says to add sulpher, but what about the calcium/magnesium ratio? I thought adding the lime was going to fix this ratio, but as I don't appear to need to add lime, does this meant he c/m ratio is already 7:1?? Or does adding the EF Natures Garden fertiliser do this?? Confused!!
Claire Mummery said:
Hi there, I have been studying plant nutrients ie density and soil for the past year and from the knowledge I have gained it is very worth while getting a soil test done, a Reams soil test is the one you want. All our growth, plant and human health come from the soil. Most soils all over the world are either depleted or locked up. The right levels of calcium, carbon, humates, potassium, phosphorous are essential to optimum food production. Once you have had the soil tested it gives you a basis from where to start. When your soil is healthy the PH will balance itself. Hope this helps. For soil test info contact Enviromental Fertilisers Kerepehi 07 867 6737
Hi Claire,
I want to pick your brain...I've just done some PH soil tests around my garden, and much to my surprise the results are 7 - 7.5. I was expecting them to be below 6 and was then going to add lime. I have been to Kay Baxters workshop on growing nutrient dense food and am following the instructions in her leaflet on growing nutrient dense food. However, now that I've found that I have neutral/alkaline soils, I'm suddenly not sure what to do. She says to add sulpher, but what about the calcium/magnesium ratio? I thought adding the lime was going to fix this ratio, but as I don't appear to need to add lime, does this meant he c/m ratio is already 7:1?? Or does adding the EF Natures Garden fertiliser do this??
Confused!!
Claire Mummery said:
Hi there, I have been studying plant nutrients ie density and soil for the past year and from the knowledge I have gained it is very worth while getting a soil test done, a Reams soil test is the one you want. All our growth, plant and human health come from the soil. Most soils all over the world are either depleted or locked up. The right levels of calcium, carbon, humates, potassium, phosphorous are essential to optimum food production. Once you have had the soil tested it gives you a basis from where to start. When your soil is healthy the PH will balance itself. Hope this helps. For soil test info contact Enviromental Fertilisers Kerepehi
07 867 6737
Hi there, I have been studying plant nutrients ie density and soil for the past year and from the knowledge I have gained it is very worth while getting a soil test done, a Reams soil test is the one you want. All our growth, plant and human health come from the soil. Most soils all over the world are either depleted or locked up. The right levels of calcium, carbon, humates, potassium, phosphorous are essential to optimum food production. Once you have had the soil tested it gives you a basis from where to start. When your soil is healthy the PH will balance itself. Hope this helps. For soil test info contact
Enviromental Fertilisers
Kerepehi
07 867 6737
What are you wanting to find out? In a home veggie garden you will probably have too much change in your soil (as you bring in or make compost and other materials) to make this really worthwhile. (Unless you're planting an orchard in a large back yard or something).
There are soil testing companies al over NZ - Google knows about these - and I understand they offer a wide range of reports (at a corresponding range of prices) that include trace element analysis and the like. You can also buy a pH tester at many Mitre 10's for about $30. That may be a better option if you're just getting started and want to confirm that your soil is in the right general range. (Personally, I wouldn't bother for most crops).
Replies
Sarah Walsh said:
I want to pick your brain...I've just done some PH soil tests around my garden, and much to my surprise the results are 7 - 7.5. I was expecting them to be below 6 and was then going to add lime. I have been to Kay Baxters workshop on growing nutrient dense food and am following the instructions in her leaflet on growing nutrient dense food. However, now that I've found that I have neutral/alkaline soils, I'm suddenly not sure what to do. She says to add sulpher, but what about the calcium/magnesium ratio? I thought adding the lime was going to fix this ratio, but as I don't appear to need to add lime, does this meant he c/m ratio is already 7:1?? Or does adding the EF Natures Garden fertiliser do this??
Confused!!
Claire Mummery said:
Enviromental Fertilisers
Kerepehi
07 867 6737
There are soil testing companies al over NZ - Google knows about these - and I understand they offer a wide range of reports (at a corresponding range of prices) that include trace element analysis and the like. You can also buy a pH tester at many Mitre 10's for about $30. That may be a better option if you're just getting started and want to confirm that your soil is in the right general range. (Personally, I wouldn't bother for most crops).