‘Bioassays’ are also a great way to test the quality of a potting mix. All you have to do is sow some fast-growing crops in the mix several weeks before you plan to use it. Cress, oats, beans are just a few to consider. Some growers also like to test their mixes with slower-growing crops. Onions can be useful for bioassays as they seem to require a very high quality mix for good germination and growth. It makes sense to include any key crops that you grow as part of your bioassa
So- I need to get this going now so that I can start my Bioassa - what shall I use to test my new soil? Another question: what if it does not work? How will I know how to proceed?
I think I'll start something fast like beans and then also I'll throw in some perennials that I have starting in paper towels right now. I can do the same in regular potting soil right next to it. Pictures to follow -
So- I need to get this going now so that I can start my Bioassa - what shall I use to test my new soil? Another question: what if it does not work? How will I know how to proceed?
I think I'll start something fast like beans and then also I'll throw in some perennials that I have starting in paper towels right now. I can do the same in regular potting soil right next to it. Pictures to follow -
From Maggie -- Just a thought...E's science project this year is to test sprouting in different materials. We used Bush bean seeds in soil, cotton, rocks, and sand. All but the sand sprouted and grew well enough to be transplanted. Go figure...? Now she is convinced plants can grow just fine in cotton.
ReplyDeleteHm- yeah apparently it is not hard to get seeds sprouting - I think it is the growing I need to watch huh?
ReplyDelete