Time for Soil Testing

nadiaqh — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:11:52 +0000

Soil Test Kit

Soil Test Results

Have you ever tested the soil in your garden? Honestly, this was my first time! I felt like a scientist, mixing water and soil and adding the little capsules of powder to each vile. For under $8.00 a Soil Test Kit will show you what the levels for pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are in your garden soil.

Why does this matter? Well, vegetables such as: lettuce, root crops, and peas grow best in soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8. To produce the most abundant and healthy crop it’s best to match the plant need with the same pH levels in your soil. If your soil has a high alkaline reading, then you can amend the soil with organic alternatives such as iron sulfate. If your soil is very acidic (0-3) reading, then adding dolomitic limestone 3 weeks before planting will help. A reading of (7) is neutral. Directions and more in depth information are on the soil testing package…try it!

Thank you for visiting my blog: www.nadiaknows.com

” I know I want to keep creating, growing and having fun.”

Sloshed Slugs

nadiaqh — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:44:06 +0000

I have read a few organic gardening articles about various methods for getting rid of snails and slugs in the yard and put one to the test last night. Could it really be true that allowing them to enjoy a night time swim in a pool of beer can do the trick? This week I’m getting my raised planters ready for fall crops and I wanted to cleanse the soil of any hiding slugs before planting seeds. After sinking a few shallow dishes in the planter and adjusting the rim of the dish so that it was just even with the soils surface, I then filled them up with some cheap beer (shall I say the name?). The next morning I discovered over 30 slugs were captured. What a great way to get those slimy slugs out of the soil and it sure beats getting up early in the morning and hand picking them out. I love a succesful experiment- try it- it works!

: Slugs Doing The Backstroke In Budweiser

Thank you for visiting my blog! www.nadiaknows.com

“i know i want to keep creating, growing and having fun.”

Nadia Knows Gardens » healthy soil

Time for Soil Testing

Sloshed Slugs