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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. By growing 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. Phosphorus deficiency may cause
your plants to grow spindly and have purple streaked 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.
NOTE:
DO NOT add diseased plant material to the compost pile or weeds that have gone to
seed.
Lawn and Garden Store Links
- Visit our Lübeck Haus Bookstore Bookstore Directory.
Browse our bookstore catalogue for all of our gardening and small farming book categories.
- Visit our Lübeck Haus Lawn and Garden Store Soil Amendments.
Offers a selection of potting soil amendments and decorative top dressings.
- Visit our Lübeck Haus Lawn and Garden Store Soil and Perk Tests.
Provides a basic description of the purpose of the soil perc test.
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