Build Your Soil

By testing your soil, you can give it what it needs.  It's as simple as that. 

TeaLAB blends your recipes and makes applying it easy.  No matter if you are in pots, beds, trenches, or native soil, TeaLAB can make a mix that works for you. 

And, maybe you already know, but you can not beat the cost savings when it comes to growing with organic soil amendments.  Your return on investment will have you wondering why you didn't do this back in the 90s.  

Send us a quick note and we will get back to you within 48 hours to see how we can help you grow successfully using organic amendments.

Soil Testing

Good soil is the foundation of every successful garden.  Poor garden soil will stress your plants, causing them to grow meagerly and be prone to pest and disease. Poor soil can be corrected, but first you need to know what you are working with.  The only definitive way to know your soil health is to have it tested.

Soil testing helps determine what action is required to produce a high yielding, high quality harvest. Plants need the right combination of nutrients to live and grow, so identifying nutrient deficiencies and imbalances is the first step.  The second step is interpreting the soil test results and develop a plan to correct the issues.  

Tea LAB works with A & L Laboratories to provide cost-effective and comprehensive soil testing.  A & L has been testing soil for large scale agriculture since 1971 and has a proven track record of accuracy and dependability.  Luke A. Besmer of TeaLAB has been interpreting soil reports and providing recommendations to gardeners since 2010.  Luke has worked with a variety of clients from home gardeners, to viticulturists, to the largest farms in Humboldt County.  TeaLAB has growing list of repeat clients that all share the similar success stories.  Low cost production, with an abundant and high quality yield.
 
After test results are received, a recipe will be developed that will re-balance your soil.  Recipes are based on your soil volume, so that you know how much to buy, and how much to apply.  All of the ingredients that we recommend are acceptable for organic farming.  TeaLAB is able to blend the ingredients  and have it delivered it to your farm.  The average cost to rejuvenate a yard of soil is $15-$30 depending on its condition.    The average time from start to finish is 1-2 weeks.     
 

Benefits of Soil Testing with Tea LAB:

• Determine nutrient levels in the soil  
• Determine pH levels (lime needs)  
• Provides a decision-making tool to determine
  

    what nutrients to apply and how much

• More efficient fertilizer & water use  
  
• Potential for higher yielding and  quality crops  
  
• Professional interpretations  
  
• Personalized recommendations  
• Support and guidance all season long

Click Here For and Example of a Soil Report From A & L Labs

Local Soil Testing Procedure + Pricing:

Native Soil $55
Container Media $70

• Watch the video above to learn how to take the best sample of your soil
• Bring your sample into TeaLAB and we'll take care of the rest!
  • If you'd like to send your sample yourself follow the Procedure for Remote Soil Testing

These prices include test fee, shipping costs, and Luke A. Besmer's recommendations. The Recipes are adjusted to your soil volume, so you know exactly how much to buy and how much to apply.

Procedure for Remote Soil Testing:

• Watch the video above to learn how to take the best sample of your soil
• Fill out the the Sample Submission Form - linked below

http://www.al-labs-west.com/extra-content/Soil%20Submittal%20Form.pdf

• Be sure to add your name + phone number on the form so they can call you for payment with a credit card.
• Also check "Email Report" and add your email address for results sent to you.
• Determine an "ID" (no more that 5 characters)  for each sample that you will remember. You will write each one of these on the corresponding bag of soil as well as under "Sample ID"
• Determine Soil Test Type:
  • Native Soil: Check the column labeled S3C
  • Container Media: Write in S7A to the "Other" column
• Mail Sample(s) and the form to A&L Western Laboratory
  • 1311 Woodland Avenue Suite 1 Modesto, CA 95351
    • We recommend using a Flat Rate Envelope or Box from United States Post Office.
    • A Flat Rate Envelope can hold 4 samples for ~$8. 
• Wait for Results
• Once received, send results to info@composttealab.com A response email with questions about your garden or farm will be sent, please fill in as much as possible
  
• Luke Besmer will look over information, get an idea of what’s going on, and then reach out with a quick breakdown of what’s going on with your soil, and options on moving forward. 
  1. You should hear from us within 48 hours of forwarding your test, if you don’t; feel free to call us (707)-798-7275 and check in. 
     
  2. The initial consultation is free, services and pricing will be determined on a case by case basis. 
  3. The end goal is to get gardeners and farmers comfortable in taking tests and interpreting results on their own.  We provide the support as needed. 
     
• Custom fertilizer blend can be shipped to you, or we can assist you in maximizing the use of your locally available resources.