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Anchorage Alaska

I was wondering .. which is more important fall soil test or a spring leaf tissue test. for optimum results in your plant.. I'd guess both is the obvious answer ..but I'm on a budget ..lol..

10/5/2012 9:55:29 PM

New Zealand

it would have to be the soil test I reckon because its more effective to amend soil in advance than add nutrients once the the plant is up and away.

10/5/2012 10:37:04 PM

Colorado

I would agree-soil test.

10/6/2012 12:45:38 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

The ideal game plan, Dale, is a fall test followed by amendments such as a pH change, a pre-plant soil test followed by the appropriate amendments, and a tissue test one week prior to pollination followed by recommended amendments. 30 days later, another tissue test with recommendations. Many of the most noted growers go with more than two tissue tests.

Yes, it all gets a bit pricey, but the tests are spread out over a period of time, so there is time to save pennies and, if one wants to be at least competitive in this hobby, it takes money. But I found the initial test to be very useful and, after following the recommendations of Tom Privitera, found my plants to react very well.

Unfortunately and after the initial tissue test, our plants succumbed to the extreme heat here in Ohio this summer and there was no need for a second test. I just didn't have the time to swim farther and farther upstream with each passing day.

10/6/2012 6:35:43 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Calcium and magnesium were the two biggest recommendations by Tom and, as I stated above, the plants reacted very well. I had already added epsom salts in the spring for a Mg supply but, with the way the plants reacted, I have to believe most of it leached out by the time I pollinated.

10/6/2012 6:40:46 AM

Muddy Waters

How much does a tissue test cost?Ive been doing a soil test in the fall & then another in the spring after amendments have swet 5 months or so

10/6/2012 7:09:08 AM

Williamsburg,KY

Dale, fall soil test is a must. Preplant will help to fine tune and tissue test before pollination. Tissue test will tell you what is in the plant and what it might need. A soil test can change from day to day and hour by hour, its all an estimate, tissue is more accurate, or so I am told.

10/6/2012 9:07:36 AM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Mark,

37 bucks was the cost at A & L Western in Modesto, CA.

10/6/2012 9:23:56 AM

Anchorage Alaska

thanks for the replies, my soil test for the last 3 years have been pretty similar.. but since I really don't know what the plant is actually assimilating.. I thought I would go with a tissue test ..and correct any imbalances with a foilar approach , depending on the results ..any holes in that plan ?

10/6/2012 6:36:25 PM

Omaha, Ne.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=183130

mine cost $25. It good that is in my city, no shipping. But still haven't learned what it means. can someone tell me what ideal numbers should be. [email protected] Thanks

10/6/2012 8:01:14 PM

Freedom Is Just Another Word For Noting Left To Lose

Mark MSU does tissue tests @ $24.00 a pop.

10/6/2012 8:10:10 PM

canal winchester ohio

Joe I'm glad you saw the light. I remember trying to convince you to do it at the Sogpg picnic.

10/6/2012 9:07:38 PM