North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[growyourown@earthlink.net]

   For some time I have been on the edge of posting on this subject. This 
latest thread has finally pushed me over that edge.
   All these recommendations are fine and dandy but are like throwing darts 
in the dark. YOu need a good soil test before you start any fertility 
program. You cant look solely at ph as your guide. A soil test that focuses 
on the calcium/magnesium balance. Not ph and NPK.
   Contrary to popular belief you do not need a ph of 5.5 or below for 
blueberries. The reason this is so widely accepted is that the iron is much 
more available at that level. However,if you get the cal/ mag in balance and 
all the other pieces of the pie in line not only will blueberries thrive in a 
higher ph but the nutrient density will be much higher leading to a fruit 
that is better for you and a plant that is better able to defend itself 
against disease and insect.
   Good soil test are often more expensive than the university or extension 
service but are a much better indicator of what the soil needs for nutrition.
   Oh I thought I had much more ranting on the subject but I guess since it 
is sunday evening I am to worn out to go on.

Mark    Southern Ohio    sending samples in on Monday