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Avatar for MaryMcP
Feb 15, 2010 3:16 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Mary
Phoenix Arizona
That article helped alot. Do you take your refractometer to the grocery store with you? Or the farmer's market? Or just use it to test the soil from time to time?
Avatar for rtl850nomore
Feb 15, 2010 4:01 PM CST
Name: Jayne
Glendale/Parks Az
Charter ATP Member Permaculture Vegetable Grower
I test the leaves closest to the growing veggie/fruit during the growing season to see if I am going to achieve the Brix I want for each different veggie. Then, I test the veggie when I pick it to see what the Brix is so I can make more adjustments or leave everything the same for the next season. I sometimes take the refractometer to farmer's markets and I may test a sample they have set out. I am very careful not give them any chance to perceive insult and mostly don't even let them know that I am testing. I don't take it to the grocery store because I am convinced that their produce is of the lowest Brix possible. If the tomato is beautimus looking chances are it is a market tomato, not grown in enlivened garden soil and certain growers are known to grow in a hydroponic system. I just measured a tomato from the grocery store. It wasn't bad but the Brix was 4. A good tomato should have a Brix of 8 and an excellent one should be 12. I started Brix testing because I am convinced that strong healthy plants do not attract bugs/pests/insects. Sure some things are unavoidable like a hoard of locusts or hoppers, but for the most part insects seek out unhealthy plants.
The reason most people fail instead of succeed is because they give up what they want most for what they want at the moment.
Avatar for MaryMcP
Feb 15, 2010 4:04 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Mary
Phoenix Arizona
Interesting. Does the local hydro store sell the refractometers? Home Depot?
Avatar for rtl850nomore
Feb 15, 2010 4:17 PM CST
Name: Jayne
Glendale/Parks Az
Charter ATP Member Permaculture Vegetable Grower
Yep, the local hydro store sells them but I bid for mine on Ebay. If I remember correctly I paid around $70.00 with shipping.
The reason most people fail instead of succeed is because they give up what they want most for what they want at the moment.
Avatar for Dann_L
Feb 15, 2010 6:02 PM CST
Name: Dan
San Tan Valley, AZ
Dog Lover Hummingbirder Region: Southwest Gardening Tropicals Vegetable Grower Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge)
I can see how that would be a handy little device. I'm going to look around for one of those.

Jayne, who is the manufacturer of the one you have?
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘...Holy Crap ...What a ride!'
Avatar for rtl850nomore
Feb 15, 2010 6:10 PM CST
Name: Jayne
Glendale/Parks Az
Charter ATP Member Permaculture Vegetable Grower
Carl Zeiss
The reason most people fail instead of succeed is because they give up what they want most for what they want at the moment.
Avatar for Dann_L
Feb 15, 2010 6:21 PM CST
Name: Dan
San Tan Valley, AZ
Dog Lover Hummingbirder Region: Southwest Gardening Tropicals Vegetable Grower Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge)
Thanks Jayne,

Zeiss optic's are considered one of the very best so their refractometer should be a good investment
Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘...Holy Crap ...What a ride!'
Image
Apr 14, 2010 9:33 AM CST
Name: Steve
Prescott, AZ (Zone 7b)
Irises Lilies Roses Region: Southwest Gardening
Half an hour on Google, and I was able to find one used zeiss refractometer for less than $1000. Not too sure how portable it will be:
http://www.fleaglass.com/index...

For slightly less you can get something that points you in the same general direction and does not require the services of a porter. http://www.virtualvillage.com/...
When you dance with nature, try not to step on her toes.
Avatar for MaryMcP
Apr 14, 2010 9:39 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Mary
Phoenix Arizona
Thanks Steve, the price is right. I'll check into it.

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