Quote:
Originally Posted by brownrexx
When taking a sample for a soil test, you should always take a composite sample throughout the entire bed, not just one spot. In other words, take 10 - 12 small samples throughout the entire bed and mix them together in a bucket. Take one sample from the mixture and submit that for testing.
As for adjusting pH when the native soil is acidic anyway. I adjust my soil to suit the needs of the plants that I intend to grow. They may not be native to my area and not like the pH of my native soil.
I also agree that too much adjusting gets done by some gardeners and can cause other elements to get out of balance. However some plants are pretty fussy with their pH range and an unhappy plant will not produce or grow well.
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I took 3 small samples from the same raised bed, other beds may be different. Reasoning was, figured I build all the beds in similar methodology and would use the reading from the one bed as a template.
If I could modestly raise the pH to 5.8, I would be happy. I agree with a blatant dump could have adverse affects. But adding lime seems pretty docile in relation, IDK.
I plan on getting the dolomite lime pelletized and adding this fall and adding the recommended rate on soil sample suggestion and tilling it in deep. In the spring, I will continue my compost addition and call it good.
Truthfully, I have not experienced any short comings to the night shades I plant in these beds. They all do well, and ppl are "amazed" at the vigor and production. I think the added compost is a nice additive. I measure by doing several drive by's at the community garden that has maybe 3-400 plots. My plants and tomatoes are always in better shape.
I hope I don't screw things up.
