From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Utah

I just tilled up a chuck of lawn at my new place for my patch. I am looking for the best and cheapest place to send a soil sample.
I was thinking maybe we could compile a list and post it permanetly on some where on BP, if Ken and John agreed.
thanks for you help.
gordon

11/26/2002 11:32:14 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

standard soil test with organic $12.00 UMASS AMHERST

http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/soilbrochfeb2002.pdf

11/26/2002 12:34:28 PM

www.al-labs.com is a good place to send your soil samples
you can check their prices on line depending on what kind of sample you want

11/26/2002 12:54:50 PM

Western Pa.

Penn State -$6- includes mailer, also will receive extra info on giant pumpkins and organic matter content if requested.

kilr

11/26/2002 1:06:28 PM

Indiana

Gordon,
I use A&L Labs Fort Wayne. Their test costs about 15-20 bucks(cant remember for sure) it includes all the micros and recommendations. I went to the expense of sending $85 dollars to Kinsey Ag, and had very similar recommendations. If you are in the business of supporting pumpkin organizations, Kinsey Ag is a sponsor of the IPGA main event the first Saturday in October. But for 15-20 bucks, you can get a good recommendation and analysis from A&L Labs.

Tom Beachy

11/26/2002 2:07:33 PM

Knopp, Germany

i can suggest a place in germany, but, oh well, it was just a thought....

11/26/2002 3:24:14 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

Hey g1t, I used Penn State once too! They hit ya as most state run places a surcharge for out of state use. I'm using Rutgers AG extension now...Again it's in state and both came with about the same info. Chuck

11/26/2002 5:03:09 PM

how long does it take to get a test back?i sent one out three weeks ago to umass..i figured a month,does that sound right..

11/26/2002 6:08:44 PM

Garden State Pumpkins

doesn't take that long Lobsta unless they're really backed up...early in spring they back up a bit...but you should have it back soon! want to see those results!! first year patch, first time grower....can you see me turning green with envy!LOL chuck

11/26/2002 7:52:30 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Lobsta, sent my patch sample to Umass couple weeks ago now and haven't got results yet. Suspect results soon here !

11/26/2002 8:17:35 PM

Deer Park WA

g1t,
what happened to you I thought you lived in the Evergreen State?

11/26/2002 9:23:41 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

yeah about a month from u-mass it's the slow season.

Glenn

11/27/2002 8:23:53 AM

Utah

GADS,
I moved this summer. took a new job, more job security, more pay, lower cost of living and closer to family but more difficult region to grow pumpkins... which made it a really tough decision. so i flipped a coin. just kidding of course. :) LOL !

11/27/2002 10:26:56 AM

Indiana

Gordon,
Now since you have more security, and higher pay, does that mean that you will have enough money to fully automate a greenhouse out there in Utah, and kick all of our butts? 1500 or bust next year?

Tom Beachy

11/27/2002 10:42:46 AM

Utah

Tom-
maybe if i was still single... but i've got the wife and kids to take of too...

... maybe we could get some bumper stickers that says
"my wife told me that if i keep growing big pumpkins that she's going to leave me.... man i'm going to miss her"

i'll be happy if i get 800 lbs. that would be a new state record. its tough growing in utah which is a high and dry climate. low humidity and higher altitude means shorter season, colder nights, hotter days. i'm hoping my 1987 VW hangs on this year so i can put in a nice misting system instead of having to buy a new car.

11/27/2002 2:36:07 PM

Caceres, Spain

Gordon, be positive and you'll get it. Microclimates are all around the world, and no doubt you can create yours in Utah.
Grow'em big.

11/28/2002 1:05:14 AM