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Location

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Date Posted

New York

I'm not really a new grower, but this is the first year I've gotten serious about AGs. My previous patch was too small and the soil was too rocky to grow anything in, so I've tentatively selected a new site for use this season. I've never really looked at the soil up there - however, my question is, do I still have time to test and throw amendments into the soil? I don't plan on even starting the seeds for another three weeks or so.

4/5/2010 2:12:09 PM

President - GPC

Yes you still have time. Knowing what you need to add and how much is a good start towards growing them BIG. Besides there is so much learning to do once you get that soil report.......it just opens the door......

GrowZemBIG

4/5/2010 2:32:25 PM

New York

Thanks. Will one of those cheap, do-it-yourself testing kits suffice, or do I need to do a real one for best results?

4/5/2010 2:41:54 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Julian,
We are located 30 mins from each other, take your samples and send them to A&L labs in Modesto California, the local Coop is a joke, trust me, I went down that route and waited 7 weeks before telling them to refund me, I have been sending my samples to A&L ever since.
Like I've offered before...contact me with questions, its not often that you can find another grower in our area.
Tom

4/5/2010 2:43:30 PM

New York

Alright, I'll look into that. I checked out their website briefly, but was way too confused... I'll have to read through it more closely later.

4/5/2010 3:02:55 PM

Fresno, CA

The A&L Eastern lab in Kentucky is about half the price for the same test as the A&L lab in Modesto. I live only about 120 miles from Modesto lab but I sent my sample across the country to the Eastern lab because of the price difference. But maybe the Western lab is better?

4/5/2010 3:15:10 PM

Fresno, CA

Here are my results from the Eastern A&L office if you want to see what they look like..

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=117638

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=117639

4/5/2010 3:18:43 PM

Fresno, CA

Price list URL is below. The S3 test with recommendations is $14.40 and has the basics like N/K/Ph/Salts/pH and several trace elements like sulfur, zinc, manganese, boron etc.. You can pay an extra three bucks for a color graphic report version of the S3 called the Home Garden (MEL2).

http://al-labs-eastern.com/forms/ALEasternPriceList.pdf

4/5/2010 3:26:02 PM

New York

Cool, thanks ET.

4/5/2010 4:20:35 PM