Soil pH tests - Not worth the effort!

Ret EE 4/3/2021, 1:49 pm

Searching the web for recommended pH levels shows that Mel's mix is darned close to optimum for almost everything. Potatoes prefer a slightly lower pH level as does okra. One thing to keep in mind if you're concerned is that the pH scale is logarithmic which means the further you are from optimum the more dramatic the effect. The 6.8 of Mel's mix is in-fact more than good enough except maybe for potatoes.

Therefor my proposed tests are cancelled as not being required or worth the effort.

MM rules! Smile

Thanks to those who resisted flaming this newbie.

I will just tweak my potato squares. I don't eat sweet potatoes or okra so no worries there.

Keith

OhioGardener 4/3/2021, 5:04 pm

The soil pH levels has never been an issue with compost-based garden soils. As organic material composts, it reaches a near neutral pH level which is ideal for growing most plants. If you observe mother nature, especially in native forests, you'll find that she never worries about things like the pH level of her soil because the decomposing leaves, branches, etc., takes care of that for her. The same is true for the "available" nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil. Only the marketing wizards worry about how to get people to buy such test kits which they do not need.

**Kelejan** 4/4/2021, 9:07 am

I think Mother Nature just does the best with what is there, amd we take not of what plants do well and there concentrate on them.

I am sure that with time the PH will sort itself out.

**sanderson** 4/4/2021, 3:02 pm

Yes, Mel's Mix is good enough for 99% of what we grow. If we made a living growing a couple of crops, the pH could be tweaked for optimal pH for each crop. But, MM is remarkably good for veggie gardens.

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Soil pH tests - Not worth the effort!

Soil pH tests - Not worth the effort!

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Re: Soil pH tests - Not worth the effort!


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