Soil Test Kit and soil information by Heirloom Seeds

RAPITEST SOIL TEST KIT

STK 1 - RAPITEST SOIL TEST KIT - An inexpensive soil test kit that is a must for any backyard gardener. This kit is simple to use and very reliable. Contains 40 tests (10 each for pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) with easy to use tablets. Diagrammed instructions are included, plus a chart of pH levels and NPK levels on over 100 plants. Get instant results on the soil conditions in different parts of your garden or yard. Everything you need to perform the tests is included.
STK1 - $16.99

RPH - RAPITEST SOIL pH TEST KIT – Tests the pH of your soil in about ½ hour. Very easy to use. Comes with complete, detailed, diagrammed instructions. A must for growing healthy plants. Increase the yield in your garden by having the proper pH for all your plants. 10 tests per box.
RPH - $4.69
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PHM-1 – RAPITEST pH METER – Analyze your soil pH in only one minute! No batteries needed. Very easy to use. Includes complete instructions and plant chart. Simply stick the probe into the soil and read the pH on the meter! Can be used indoors or out.
PHM-1 - $12.99
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RST – RAPITEST SOIL THERMOMETER – One of the biggest problems facing gardeners is knowing whether the soil temperature is warm enough for seeds to properly germinate. This accurate and durable thermometer is cased in corrosion free aluminum and is scaled in both °F and °C. The perfect way to insure success every time you plant!
RST - $8.99

Information on Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, pH and Compost

NITROGEN – Nitrogen forms new cells and is essential to total plant development. A shortage of nitrogen halts plant growth and cell production. Symptoms of nitrogen deficiency are a yellowish brown color along the veins and tips of leaves, stunted growth of the plant or paleness in color on older leaves. Too much nitrogen can cause tall, spindly plants that easily topple over and nitrate poisoning (look for a strong red tint to the leaves). Nitrogen is also essential to the compost pile, as it aids in the breaking down of old plant residues. Good sources of nitrogen include: blood meal, cottonseed meal, fish meal, soybean meal, rabbit manure and tea grinds. You can also grow a cover crop of legumes in the fall to raise the nitrogen level for the next springs crop.

PHOSPHORUS – Phosphorus produces vigorous seed and root development. A shortage of phosphorus slows cell division and results in stunting of growth and late maturity of the plant. A symptom of phosphorus deficiency is spindly plants with purple streaks in the stems. Since phosphorus moves very slowly in the soil, it is essential to have it available during early plant development. Good sources for phosphorus include: bone meal, rock phosphate and colloidal phosphate. Incorporating organic matter (compost) into the soil makes the phosphorus present more readily available to the plants.

POTASSIUM – Also called Potash, this nutrient helps produce strong and sturdy stems. It advances root growth and helps plants resist disease and cold weather. A shortage of this nutrient causes stunting and stem weakness. Symptoms include a yellowing of leaf edges and yellowing of the leaves veins. This nutrient must be available during early plant development. Good sources of potash are: cow manure, compost, granite meal, greensand and wood ashes.

pH - pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. The pH of the soil affects many elements, including nutrient availability, plant nutrient uptake, and microorganism activity. Because soil pH affects many factors, it is important to maintain proper pH throughout the growing season. Considering the complexity of factors involved, the recommended soil pH for each individual variety is very important. Regular pH testing will allow you to make informed decisions if soil pH adjustment is necessary.

For soils that are too acidic, add lime to the soil in the fall. Some sources of lime are: Dolomitic limestone. This will raise the pH of the soil while supplying calcium and magnesium. Apply in late fall for next years crops. Hydrated lime will provide quicker results because of the smaller particle size and is especially useful for raising the soil pH quickly. Be aware that hydrated lime may cause severe injury to young plants. Apply at least 3 weeks before planting your crops. Wood ashes (not charcoal ashes) can also be added to acidic soil to correct the pH level.

For soils that are too alkaline, add powdered agricultural sulfur, aluminum sulfate or iron sulfate to the soil for a quick fix. For a long term solution, continually add acidic organic matter to the soil, such as peat moss, pine needles and oak tree leaves until the pH level is correct.

COMPOST – The single most important addition to any garden is compost. Compost enriches the soil in the garden, promotes the development of beneficial insect populations, helps retain moisture and aids in stabilizing the pH level. Every gardener should have a compost pile or bin near their garden. Just about any plant material can be recycled into valuable compost, along with coffee grounds, eggshells (crushed), cow manure and horse manure. If you add lawn clipping to the compost pile, make sure they have not been treated with any chemical herbicides. In the fall, make sure to shred any leaves before adding them to the pile. DO NOT add diseased plant material to the compost pile or weeds that have gone to seed. For more information on composting, we recommend the book: The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible by Edward C. Smith or the booklet: Easy Composters You Can Build.

ORGANICA COMPOST ACTIVATOR
Helps speed up the process of recycling your garden's yard waste into the dark, rich compost plants thrive on. Therom-, meso- and psychrophilic bacteria are present to naturally accelerate the rate of decomposition and reduce the unpleasant odors of the compost pile. 100% organic. 2 lb. tub
OCA - $26.99

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