| Forgive my ignorance, but how can I find my county extension office for soil testing? Also, if my soil isn't acidic enough for blueberries, what is the best way to fix this? |
| County extension offices are sometimes difficult to find in the phone book! They are typically listed under Government offices but sometimes they are listed elsewhere so don't feel bad about not being able to locate yours. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, Jennings County Government Center, 200 E. Brown Street, P.O. Box 365, Vernon, IN 47282-0365. Phone: 812/352-3033 Although some extension offices offer soil testing, I'm not sure yours does. However, The Soil and Water Conservation District has made arrangements with A & L Great Lakes Lab at Fort Wayne to accept soil samples for nutrient testing. My understanding is that you can take soil samples to the SWCD office, where they will be forwarded to the lab. For more information, contact the SWCD by calling 812-346-3411 X3. Blueberries have a preference for acidic soil but will grow if the soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.0. Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 will require higher rates of acidifying amendments and are not recommended for blueberries. Your extension office should have a publication on blueberry growing and soil amendments based on your soil test results. Best wishes with your blueberries. |
