Question
Dear Frank or Vicky,


I have three raised beds behind my house for growing veggies for my family.  Last year  had a rather poor results with it. this year i had a soil test done at our local extension service.  when i asked them to make recommendations on how to improve the soil organically they said they could not help.  do you have any suggestions?  
the following is the result:

Soil Ph is 7.8
phosphorus level is 113 lbs/acre (high)
potassium level is 161 lbs/ acre( low)
magnesium level is 1226 lbs/acre (very high)
zinc level is 11.6 lbs/acre (very high)
calcium level is 3290 lbs/acre
total soluable salts is 0.2 (low)
no lime recommended

they recommended
preplant 3.0# 34-0-0 ammonium nitrate)
           5.0 #0-0-60  (muriate of potash)

sidedress 3.0 # 34-0-0 (ammonium nitrate)

are these recommendations organic?  can you recommend an organic
alternative? what would be the best way to improve the soil organically?

thank you for your help,

Marti  

Answer
You could add some gypsum to bring the soil pH down and add calcium at the same time, or peat moss, or non-ceder (toxic) sawdust.  These are all acidic and organic.  

Potassium level needs to be raised, it promotes plant vitality and disease resistance. Sources are Greensand, also known as Glauconite. (Organic)

As far as their suggestions for 3.0# 34-0-0 ammonium nitrate), 5.0 #0-0-60 (muriate of potash), and to sidedress 3.0 # 34-0-0 (ammonium nitrate) these are all chemicals, and not organic.  Go to our website http://www.avant-gardening.com for information on soil building and for sources for organic soil ammendments.

The best way to improve the soil organically is with organic ammendments and your own compost.  We also have a page on composting, and how to make your garden sustainable.  

You will find all the information you need for growing organically on our website: http://www.avant-gardening.com  

Good luck!