EasyBloom Forum

NEED would be approbate and here's why: A few months back I went to Home Depot and bought a plant called, Endless Summer Hydrangeas because it had really nice blue flowers. I didn't do a soil test prior to planting in my front yard, only to later learn that the flowers turn pink in acidic soil. A simple PH test would have told me to amend my soil. So instead of manly blue flowers, I got girly pink ones. :( --- not that there is anything wrong with pink, but for a single guy...

I've also had issues with plants needing phosphorous, but mistaking the condition as a nitrogen deficiency and vice versa.

Christopher, I laughed out loud at your pink flowers. Have you amended your soil since then? How often do you test now?

Glade you liked that story. :) -- To answer your question, for flowers in the font I test once a year. In my back yard where i have a rasied garden bed, I check everytime grow something new in that spot. I been using the square foot gardening method and I make my own soil mix. I would guess I've checked the soil from Janurary 2010 till now about 4-5 times already.

the Easybloom definiatly needs to upgrade for ph testing.

I agree with Christopher and Sheri. The reading of ph would be a marvelous addition. I have blueberries which need an acidic condition but I need to know the effects of their drain off in order to choose plants to place around them. The soil tester Christopher uses is a good idea but is bother. I can take "testings" to my extension agent who will send them for soil readings. How often should I do that? and from how many areas around the "homestead"?

I agree that if it measured pH and npk more people would buy it and it would be the ultimate gardening tool. people would be willing to pay more i know i would. It is a great tool in it self but for the serious gardener this additional information is vital.