The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Vegetables => Topic started by: violet on February 24, 2011, 08:03:35 pm

Title: Soil Test Kit
Post by: violet on February 24, 2011, 08:03:35 pm

Does anyone know the shelf life of a soil test kit?

I've had mine - unopened now for two years. When I did a soil test today other than the PH, I got no results at all from potasium, phosporus & nitrogen. Without going into detail, I'm certain that this is not accurate - could it be the test?

Thanks folks

Title: Re: Soil Test Kit
Post by: robert waddell on February 24, 2011, 08:16:30 pm

well if yours did not work mine will definately not      25yrs old

Title: Re: Soil Test Kit
Post by: Blonde on March 05, 2011, 02:47:12 am

 It is best to replace a the end of the growing season and start a fresh.  If you have an elctronic device then they last a whole lot longer.    but the powders are just short lived.

Title: Re: Soil Test Kit
Post by: violet on March 05, 2011, 10:57:08 am

That's a relief, I really didn't know that about the powders. What type of electronic device do you use?

25 years Lillian  :o and I thought I was a hoarder  ;D

Title: Re: Soil Test Kit
Post by: Blonde on March 05, 2011, 01:17:57 pm

Quote from: violet on March 05, 2011, 10:57:08 am

That's a relief, I really didn't know that about the powders. What type of electronic device do you use?

25 years Lillian  :o and I thought I was a hoarder  ;D

There are electronic ph testers that you can buy it might be a case of looking them up on the internet.  Each country probably has something different.    they lahve been around for many years.  but you dont have to throw them out at the end of the year, if you look after it it wil last.  Generally they run on battery.