Simply stated--the quantity of nutrients rapidly used by vegetable crops are significantly higher than most field and fruit crops and their market quality is directly related to an adequate nutrient balance. This is where a good, complete plant sampling program becomes so important. It is a production tool that eliminates the guesswork as it relates to nutrient utilization and plant metabolism. Vegetable plant sampling is the only means of ensuring maximum yield and enhancing quality--which is the goal of every vegetable producer--and it's very simple to do. Collect 25 -30 of the latest maturing leaves, not the oldest, not the youngest, place them in a paper bag and send them to the laboratory (Do not use plastic bags as plants deteriorate more rapidly in plastic than paper). It is recommended that a corresponding soil sample be collected from the same area and accompany the plant sample, however it is not mandatory; although a more definitive evaluation is possible when both are sent. We furnish bags and shipping boxes at no cost--call the lab if needed.

The plant and soil are analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, zinc, manganese, iron and copper.

Do not wait until you see nutrient deficiency to pull a plant sample. When you can see the deficiency, it is too late - production has been lost. The purpose of a plant sample is to monitor and determine the nutritional status of a plant--to correct nutritional problems before they are acute enough to cause yield reduction.

Timing and turn-around time are essential to a good, quality plant sampling program. With our FastBack program, within 48 hours after we receive your samples, we analyze them, make recommendations and mail, fax, phone, or use the internet to deliver the results to you.

Plants should be analyzed at varying stages of growth in order to maximize production. The optimum sampling periods are early growth (vegetative), mid-season and late season (pre-maturity).