Soil and Tissue Testing with Jack Legg

Soil and Tissue Testing with Jack Legg

Author: Susan Poizner, OrchardPeople.com April 20, 2021 Duration: 38:17

Jack Legg, an agronomist from SGS Canada, talks about soil and tissue testing and how that can help ensure that your fruit trees and plants have the nutrients they need.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website www.orchardpeople.com.  


Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books


She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com


HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.


📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

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✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/


For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/


FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:


✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/


These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!


  • (00:00) - Introduction to Soil and Its Mysteries
  • (00:34) - Signs of Soil Fertility and Plant Health
  • (01:10) - Importance of Soil Testing
  • (01:27) - Meet the Expert: Jack Legg
  • (05:10) - Understanding Soil pH and Nutrient Availability
  • (07:07) - Soil Testing Procedures in the Lab
  • (10:34) - Listener Questions and Expert Answers: The Importance of Looking at the Bigger Picture
  • (14:20) - Nutrient Dynamics in Soil and Plants
  • (20:29) - Challenges in Nitrogen Management
  • (22:34) - Understanding Nitrate and Nitrogen Loss
  • (22:46) - Complex Forms of Nitrogen
  • (23:25) - Listener Questions: Apple Trees and Sugar Levels
  • (24:50) - Protecting Soil Health
  • (26:51) - Plant Tissue Testing Explained
  • (31:55) - Soil Testing Kits: Are They Worth It?
  • (36:00) - Choosing the Right Lab for Soil Testing
  • (37:39) - Conclusion and Farewell

Imagine stepping into your own backyard and picking a perfect, sun-warmed apple from a tree you nurtured yourself. That tangible connection to the land and the deep satisfaction of growing your own food is at the heart of Orchard People. Hosted by fruit tree care educator Susan Poizner, this podcast digs into the practical and often surprising world of cultivating fruit trees, whether you have a few pots on a balcony or several acres to explore. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation with a knowledgeable friend, as Susan and her guests unpack the nuances of pruning for better harvests, managing pests without harsh chemicals, and understanding the life beneath our feet through soil health. You’ll hear from specialists on topics like grafting heirloom varieties, designing resilient food forests, and integrating permaculture principles into any space. It’s more than just tips and tricks; it’s about building confidence and community around sustainable growing. Tune in to this garden-focused podcast for grounded advice that helps both new and experienced growers foster healthier trees and more abundant yields, season after season.
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