Get Tested!

For any of you who are interested in vegetable gardening and you want to start your veggies from seedlings...now is the time to start preparing and planting.

One preparation technique we use at is soil testing. A soil test is a process where elements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper and zinc) are chemically removed from the soil and measured for their "plant available" content. A basic soil test usually measures phosphorus, potassium, soil pH and organic matter.

This method will help you understand the natural consistency of your soil.  Now, don't let the fancy definition intimidate you. The only responsibility for the consumer is to actually go out in your yard, take the samples from different areas, send them in and wait for the results.

It is very important for homeowners to also consider taking a soil sample on their lawn. Often times lawns are a culprit for using way more fertilizer than necessary.  

Using the results, along with your planned produce variety, you can determine what natural fertilizers to use to change the level of each elements and reach ideal pH (see chart below). Soil sampling allows you to create ideal growing conditions, so maybe the "green thumb" isn't all based on luck.

At Ort Farms, we use soil testing for many reasons. Soil testing is environmentally friendly, sustainable and it helps us produce higher quality outputs.  Each plant has different needs so we can assess the soil and alter it to meet the needs of the plant we're growing, creating ideal conditions. Through soil testing, we are able to use fertilizers on an as needed basis, using the minimal amount. We use many natural fertilizers including lime, eggshells and manure to provide nutrients for the soil. Soil testing is a sustainable method we use that allows us to conserve and protecting our resources.

More benefits of soil sampling:

• Save money. Understanding the appropriate amount of lime and  other fertilizers to use will prevent over applying and over spending.
• Soil testing is sustainable. Over use of fertilizers can damage your plants as well as other natural resources in the area.
• Increased plant quality. Just like humans plants need a balanced amount of their nutrients to grow. Use soil testing to choose the right diet for your plants.

We use Rutgers for our soil samples, and soil tests are avialable at a small cost for all New Jersey residents.

Happy Planting!