Weed and Feed

[swstout]

William R (Bill) Skerrett ICT Organics W: 410-997-5450 C: 410-707-2794 bill@ictorganics.com www.ictorganics.com Steve

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Lawn care business tips

My head for some reason is spinning this morning, feeling anxiety I don't know. I didnt pound back any beer or booze last night so, its not that. Heres my question for you what kind of soil test kit do you recommend using?. I have alot of questions pertaining these tests and what to use. Thank You

[swstout]

Originally Posted by MikeO

My head for some reason is spinning this morning, feeling anxiety I don't know.
I didnt pound back any beer or booze last night so, its not that. Heres my question for you what kind of soil test kit do you recommend using?. I have alot of questions pertaining these tests and what to use.
Thank You

I have been using the Rapidtest Soil Test Kit. It runs about $15.00 and is good for 10 tests. Refill capsules run about $2.20 per pack of 10 for each test ($8.80 for all 4). The pH and Nitrogen tests are the only ones that seem to change any though.
　
Last summer Lowe's started carrying an elect test for pH (about) $9.00) and one for pH and Nitrogen (about $12.00).
　
For around $10.00 your county can do a lab test for soil. This I use for contract jobs that indicate problem soil. (usually on lawns that have been treated with chemical/synthetic Fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.)
　
The pH and Nitrogen tests are usually adequate. And having the electronic tester seems to impress the customer more that the vial tests.
　
Steve

Here is my trouble with understanding all of this. The more i look at this organic spray, the more i love it. However, Theres too many products. Now If the ph is too low we use Liquid Lawn Lime right? What if it's too high what to use to bring down?. Reading this stuff is great, its just alot of products and then your like wtf..lol. I want to use it and bring it to the table. But you still havent said your real thoughts about it. And I am curious about that. Obviousley your using it I understand that. How green does the lawn get? And is it something that has to be done 50 times before you see any results because you know as much as I do the mentality people have about that.

Sorry forgot to include this
this is accurate right?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_251966-83666...=soil%20tester

[swstout]

Originally Posted by MikeO

Here is my trouble with understanding all of this. The more i look at this organic spray, the more i love it. However, Theres too many products. Now If the ph is too low we use Liquid Lawn Lime right? What if it's too high what to use to bring down?. Reading this stuff is great, its just alot of products and then your like wtf..lol. I want to use it and bring it to the table. But you still havent said your real thoughts about it. And I am curious about that. Obviousley your using it I understand that. How green does the lawn get? And is it something that has to be done 50 times before you see any results because you know as much as I do the mentality people have about that.

Lower pH with Liquid Sulfur
http://www.agorganics.com/products/Soil-Sul-Liquid-Sulfur-Gallon/13/186.html
or Liquid Iron
http://www.gemplers.com/product.aspx?itemNo=156302&s_kwcid=TC|4086|liquid%20iron%20for%20plants||S|e| 3012835615
　
Raise pH with Liquid Lime
http://www.turboturf.com/Liquid_Lime.htm
You will see results from Nature's Magic almost overnight. The same with Aerify.

As far as green goes, Often iron is more important to greening than nitrogen. Different turfs have different green ranges.

The biggest benefit of Organic Products is soil conditioning. Increase bio-activity, organic matter in the soil, micro-nutrients and trace elements and you will have a healthy, weed and insect resistant lawn.

How long does it take? That really depends on how long chemical/synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides had been used. They tend to render soil infertile.

The use of Nature's Magic every 4-5 weeks will detoxify a lawn in 1-2 seasons.

Aerify, early spring and mid summer will relieve compaction and utilize air, water, and nutrients more efficiently.

The Bio-enhanced dethatcher does much more than just dethatch. It boosts soil bio-life (the bacteria and enzymes necessary for good plant health and functions.

Remember, A green lawn is not necessarily a healthy lawn. Chemical fertilizers actually hurt the soil bio life but make the grass green.

Organic lawn care becomes self sustaining in time.
　
Steve

[TouchtonsCLC]

As these products are organic, does that make the applicator exempt from any regulations like EPA rules and liscencing and such?

[swstout]

The EPA and the FDA both classify these products as "food" sources. The only special handeling required is temperature control for Aerify and the Bio-enhanced dethatcher (store at 40 to 80 degrees F).

They contain bio-life, freezing and prolonged high temps can be detrimental to them.

Steve

[TouchtonsCLC]

How many treatments is usual for Gluton8? I'm trying to price out this stuff for a client but don't know how many times I'll have to apply it.

[TouchtonsCLC]

Also, is this the correct order of application?

dethatch
gluton8

How much time do I leave between application of one before I can apply the other.