Organic soil/Soil Testing

[Guest guest]

I forgot to answer this, sorry! I would definitely recommend getting a soil test, if you are unsure what may have been on the property or in the area before houses were built.

 

Here is an interesting article on what constitutes an "organic" soil:

 

http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/potmix.html

 

I did buy an organic seed starting medium for my seeds. It stated organic on the label-I can't remember who the manufacturer was offhand. I probably got it at Lowes. Some commercial standard potting mixes contain elements that are definitely not considered organic. Like wetting agents. According to the article, most wetting agents are not considered organic. With peat products, wetting agents are commonly added in, as peat is very hard to wet down and get to absorb water, and it's near impossible to get it to rewet once it dries out. I get peat that has no wetting agents, but you could also use coir as a substitute to peat, and then you wouldn't have to worry about wetting agents.

 

It's interesting reading. I'm planning on using vermicompost in my raised beds to add living nutrients, since I make up all my soil myself. The article also has recipes for some organic soil. :-)Cyndi

 

 

In a message dated 1/20/2009 1:56:02 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, strongmind30 writes:

 

 

 

 

Further to my initial email about urban gardening...Living in an industrial city, I'm assuming toxins are in the soil.That is why I figured it would just be safer to raised bed garden withsafe, purchased soil. Am I correct in thinking this? Or would one havetheir yard soil tested to determine if it it's safe or not?If I purchase the soil, then I have more control over thequality/safety of it allowing me to garden more organically.Which leads me to my next question: Is there such a thing as organicsoil? or do I just purchase any old soil?Many thanks in advance,Lee Anne A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!