Compost analysis result…. accurate?

[Maria]

Hello all,

My partner just did an analysis of our compost, since we are planting directly into it.

Do these results seem possible? Or did he screw up? (He assures me he was very careful, even going so far as using distilled water to create the dilution).

(The test results options were: Surplus, Sufficient, Adequate, Deficient, Depleted)

Here are the readings:

PH = 7.5 (7.5 was the highest measure; the reading was at the top. So PH could be higher)

N = “Surplus”

P = “Depleted”

K = “Surplus”

If this seems possible with year old, composted horse and donkey manure (shavings separated out), how should I amend the compost to make it what it should be?

Thank you!

Maria

[charles]

Sounds like chemistry school! Numbers…
Your compost has life.
I would use it.

[Maria]

Yes! I am using it!

But do I need to amend it?

[Don Foley]

Hi Maria,

I agree with Charles, you should just go ahead and use it.
If this test still bothers you then get a proper professional test done – I think these self test kits are a bit of a gimmick personally and no substitute for a proper professional test. Your crops will soon let you know if there is a serious problem.
Wait until the end of the season and then consider getting your soil tested properly, its really great information to have.

Don.

[Maria]

Thanks Don!

When we started our market farm (photos below) we did get our soil professionally tested. But I am trying to immerse myself in the no-dig system. Planting directly in our compost is a new thing and I am trying to learn/become confident with it. My partner is leery and he picked up the home test. But if it’s worthless; it’s worthless!

Given how much work it is, and how short our seasons are here in New England I am trying to learn as much as I can before my plants let me know there is a serious problem, as you mention. Certainly gardening is a perennial learning experience, which is one of its pleasures, but to jump into such a new way of gardening (no till) after so many years of old school work… it’s a little nerve wracking!

Thanks for your advice!

Maria

[charles]

Nice to see those pics.
You can relax about the nutrients because the extra life in your soil, thanks to no dig, makes more food available to plants.
You don’t need amendments.
Weeds will be easier to keep on top of.

[Don Foley]

Hi Maria,

I believe most of us who gardened the way our grandfathers did were a little nervous in the beginning about going no dig.
That is only natural. But I have yet to hear of or read of someone who has reverted to the old ways. Many of the top celebrity gardeners are now going no dig, including no less a man than Monty Don.
So have faith, you will not be disappointed.

Don.

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