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SOIL
1. Organic Fertilizers
2. Soil pH
3. Soil Nutrients
Organic Fertilizers:
Most organic fertilizers should be applied as you prepare planting beds. Why organic? Your plants better absorb the nutrients they need in organically prepared soil. Organic gardening also reduces probability of harmful insect populations and diseases, plus attracts helpful earthworms.
Soil pH:
pH (potential hydrogen) refers to the amount of hydrogen in the soil and governs plant growth, determining absortion of these vital nutrients. For flower and vegetable beds an alkaline pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is best. For acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas a soil toward the acid side is best.
pH ranges from 1.0 to 14.0. Neutral is 7.0. Below 7.0 readings are acidic. Above 7.0 soil is alkaline. To determine pH you can use a simple home soil test kit, meter or take a soil sample to your local cooperative extension service. You can also site particular plant problems: yellowing leaves, stunted fruit or vegetables, leaf curl, spots.
Soil Nutrients:
Nitrogen (N) animal manures, fish emulsion (see below)*, dried bloodmeal, cottonseedmeal (lowers pH), chopped or shredded leaves, composted grass clippings.
*Fish emulsion is a by-product of processing fish called menhaden. Applied diluted and as a side dressing, it contains nitrogen that plants can readily absorb.
Phosphorus (P)
Bonemeal (raises pH), phosphate (crushed limestone).
Potassium (K)
Langbeinite mineral, greensand, granite dust, seaweed, wood ashes (raises pH).
Magnesium
Dolomite (raises pH).
Sulphur
Increases crop protein and used sparingly as fungicide (lowers pH).
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