Crop Code No. 091   

Home Garden – Includes Herbs (Organic Fertilizer)

Soil Groups 1, 2, 3, or 4                                                                      Desired pH 6.0 – 6.5

COMMENTS (68, 69, 500, 537)     

500      For optimum growth of garden plants, maintain at least a sufficient soil test level for phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium that can be accomplished by applying
compost, manures, lawn clippings, etc. throughout the year. If any of the plant nutrient elements indicated in the soil test report fall into either the high or excessive category, do
not apply any material that contain a substantial quantity of that element.  If any of the plant nutrient elements indicated on the soil test report fall into either the low or medium
category, the following materials may be added per 100 square feet to bring their level back to the sufficient level:

Phosphorus: 10 lbs bone meal or rock phosphate per 100 square feet.

Potassium: 10 lbs granite dust or green sand per 100 square feet.  Wood ash is high in potassium but should be used sparingly and only on acid soils (pH less than 6.0) due to its potential to make the soil alkaline.

Magnesium: if lime recommended to correct low soil pH, use dolomitic limestone.  If limestone is not recommended, add 10 lbs Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) per 100 square feet.

Calcium: applying lime recommended to correct low soil pH will also correct a low calcium level. If lime is not recommended, add 10 lbs gypsum (calcium sulfate) per 100 square feet.

Nitrogen: if a nitrogen-rich material, such as compost or green manure (especially from legumes), has been incorporated into the garden soil within a few weeks before planting, little or no further nitrogen will be required.  Otherwise, incorporate in the row any of the following materials soon before planting: 5 lbs blood meal, 5 lbs fish meal, 10 lbs soybean seed meal, 10 lbs cotton seed meal, or 15 to 25 lbs poultry manure per 100 square feet.

537   Broadcast dolomitic limestone as recommended, in the fall or at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to planting and mix into the soil to the planting depth.