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Hi there , as previously stated I am trying to take gardening more seriously , should or do I need a Soil Ph testing kit i assume most soils should be netural to slightly alkaline , if your growing herbs and veg.
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I bought one of those testing kits when I first got my allotment in 2013, it's still in the package in the shed, I never have got around to giving it a bash. Things grow and the weeds love the soil so there can't be too much wrong with it
Last edited by Cadalot; 26-04-2017, 07:06 AM. -
With Cads on this one, i have used the kits and always get the same reading....that said I always add a little lime when planting brassicas, no science behind it, just what my granddad did
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Yes I got kit with a colour chart. So you have to compare colours to mud.
Perhaps a litmus paper test kit might be better.
JimmyExpect the worst in life and you will probably have under estimated!Comment
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Me too!..........Originally posted by Greenleaves View PostWith Cads on this one, i have used the kits and always get the same reading....that said I always add a little lime when planting brassicas, no science behind it, just what my granddad did
My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)
Diversify & prosper
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Not bothered with testing my pH - just stick things in and see what happens.
New all singing all dancing blog - Jasons Jungle
�I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb."
― Thomas A. Edison
�Negative results are just what I want. They�re just as valuable to me as positive results. I can never find the thing that does the job best until I find the ones that don�t.�
― Thomas A. Edison
- I must be a Nutter,VC says so -Comment
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Mine's been unopened much longer than yours Cad - probably 20 years or soOriginally posted by Cadalot View PostI bought one of those testing kits when I first got my allotment in 2013, it's still in the package in the shed, I never have got around to giving it a bash. Things grow and the weeds love the soil so there can't be too much wrong with it
I have 3 (don't ask!) of those pronged soil testers too. They all give different readings in side by side tests! Useless junk
I feel a declutter coming on..................
Last edited by veggiechicken; 26-04-2017, 11:42 AM.Comment
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I have a probe (probably should have phrased that better) Only bought as I am useless at growing brassicas but the probe was rubbish can't remember why.
I think the more important test is soil type. Take some soil from below the surface. Stick it in a jar with water and leave it to settle. The largest layer is your type of soil. Can't remember what order the particles fall in though. Will add a link after a quick gurgle. http://preparednessmama.com/jar-soil-test/
Last edited by Norfolkgrey; 26-04-2017, 12:03 PM.Comment
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My soil's definitely acidic - I'm not bothering with a pH kit - I'm adding mushroom compost, will add a bit of lime with the brassicas and just hope for the best. I've cut down some cracking shrubs, which seem to have had no issues at all!
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What reading did you go with?, the reading you wanted to haveOriginally posted by veggiechicken View PostMine's been unopened much longer than yours Cad - probably 20 years or so
I have 3 (don't ask!) of those pronged soil testers too. They all give different readings in side by side tests!
it may be a struggle to reach the top, but once your over the hill your problems start.
Member of the Nutters Club but I think I am just there to make up the numbers
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Those probe things rely on the fact that there's two different metals and the acid makes them into a battery. You have to keep sanding off the oxide that builds up for them to work.
I found them far more useful for skewering slugs than anything else.Last edited by Jay-ell; 26-04-2017, 06:26 PM.
New all singing all dancing blog - Jasons Jungle
�I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb."
― Thomas A. Edison
�Negative results are just what I want. They�re just as valuable to me as positive results. I can never find the thing that does the job best until I find the ones that don�t.�
― Thomas A. Edison
- I must be a Nutter,VC says so -Comment
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I ignored them all, rary! I'm good at thatOriginally posted by rary View PostWhat reading did you go with?, the reading you wanted to have
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Best Natural Root Stimulant
Canna Rhizotonic or j arthur bower organic rooting?Comment
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I've read that pH is important for onions as well brassicas.... I've also got one of those probe testers but I've had it donkey's years and I'm not sure if they have a shelf life as such. Anyhow, I tried it the other day before planting my onion sets and got no reading at all. Nor did the needle move when I stuck it in bottle of white vinegar!
Do people here who grow onions lime before planting them or just plonk them in and hope for the best? If the latter, have you ever had problems that you think might have been caused by the soil being too acidic? Or are brassicas more fussy than onions when it comes to pH?Comment
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Brought a digital tester c/w calibration buffer from ebay for about £8. As growing asparagus need 7 and blueberry need 5 , thought it worthwhile. Use hydrated builders lime (fast acting and strong but can't add much at a time) on asparagus and sulphur on blueberryComment
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