So, in getting ready for some planting, I did a basic soil test, you know, the $4.00 one from the garden center.
I am quite happy with the Ph hanging around the 7 - 7.5 range, and the Nitrogen is quite high...
but I am seriously lacking Phosphorus and Potash.
Sure, I could hit Canadian Tire and get a bucket of chemical fertilizers, but I would rather not!
Any natural suggestions for getting the P & K up?
Bone meal for Phosphorus
Kelp, Greensand, hardwood ashes for potassium.
epsom salt in limited amount to add magnesium
Diluted Molasses is wonderful as well for increasing soil health
for all kinds of interesting and different things to use for soil health check out homestead organics.
http://www.homesteadorganics.ca/soil-amendments.aspx
http://livingmydreamlifeonthefarm.wordpress.com/
So, in getting ready for some planting, I did a basic soil test, you know, the $4.00 one from the garden center.
I am quite happy with the Ph hanging around the 7 - 7.5 range, and the Nitrogen is quite high...
but I am seriously lacking Phosphorus and Potash.
Sure, I could hit Canadian Tire and get a bucket of chemical fertilizers, but I would rather not!
Any natural suggestions for getting the P & K up?
What are you actual numbers and are the same in all your gardens? Some things grow better in "nasty" soil.
The test I used was very basic and didn't give actual numbers...it's the kind that you have to compare the color of the test water and compare it to a chart.
The P & K tests barely had any color to them at all, indicating "very low" levels.
If you are growing potatoes, blueberries, you should have your soil ph closer to 6.3. Blueberries will love very acid soil, potatoes can become scabby if the acid level is not high. Do not use manure on potatoes also makes them scabby. Add peat moss, or evergreen needles, or sulphur to increase acidity.

