Plant Gardens 101

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Simple Soil Testing Helps Gardeners Grow Lush Landscapes and Healthy Vegetables

February 08, 2010 By: Andrew Stratton Category: Advice General, Soil Needs

Consumers across the world have started gardens only to find growing anything vibrant and healthy seems impossible. The plants may grow for a brief period then wither away. Some consumers can’t even get plants to take root. The answer may not in better equipment or even a better gardener. The solution to your gardening problems may be found with a simple soil test.

Landscapers and professional gardeners know the importance of proper balances in the ground. Greenery requires effective chemical balance in order for plants to function properly. This is not something only for professional farmers or certified organic growers. It can be a cost effective method of ensuring your future plants will thrive.

Plants require nutrients in their soil. The proper test can make your life much easier. Your gardens will produce healthy crops. You can greatly reduce your costs for fertilizers and pesticides. If you can adequately nourish your plants they can fend of pests more effectively. Testing your grounds will give you the information you need to feed your soil before you plant. The tests can tell you if your ground is fertile or if there are harmful contaminates. (more…)

Soil Testing-How to Buy the Right Fertilizer

November 01, 2008 By: Andrew Stratton Category: Soil Needs

Have you ever wondered why your neighbors grass or tomato plants are so healthy and green? The trick to strong, vigorous plant growth is simply using the right fertilizer. A reputable soil testing lab will help you to analyze your lawn or garden before you buy fertilizer. This will point you in the direction of the proper nutrient needs of your plants.

Every farmer or home gardener has the experience to know that no land has the exact nutrient needs for their crops and plants. One effective tool many successful growers use is putting science behind their fertilizer choices. Every crop has a specific need and a grower needs to determine these needs which change from season to season. A soil testing lab helps growers to determine these needs.

A soil testing lab will determine the proper kind of fertilizer or lime you need to use. Additionally they guide you how not to over-fertilize your plants. Over-fertilization wastes time and money, and is a detriment to the environment. It often promotes burnt, overgrown plants with maturation issues. (more…)

Soil Testing:
Take The Guesswork Out Of Fertilization

January 11, 2005 By: Andrew Stratton Category: Soil Needs

Any gardener worth her salt knows that the best way to grow healthy plants is to provide them with healthy, nutrient-rich soil. Being proactive about the quality of the soil that you use for your crops or garden is the only way to ensure that it meets your standards. One way to standardize your substrate quality is by getting samples analyzed regularly in a soil testing lab.

With soil testing, you will get an estimate of the vital nutrients the substrate contains. This is essential to help you calculate which fertilizers and chemicals you need to add to it and how much, to get a healthy yield. When it comes to fertilizers, more is not necessarily better. (more…)