Replenishing trace elements in soil?

[that1guy]

I want to start growing things hydroponically, because the conditions here in Arizona are junk to grow anything useful or edible. (IF it grows, it does terribly) I think I'll start off with something simple, like peppermints. (Peppermints are simple to grow hydroponically, right?)

I've seen on nutrition facts how things like seeds are chocked full of minerals. This made me wonder, if they're so full of minerals, the soil has to eventually become depleted. How would I go about restoring the trace mineral content of the soil? Is there anyway to test it?

And what if the soil doesn't have enough of a single particular mineral, but has plenty of other minerals? Does the plant grow its fruit anyway, lacking that one mineral? Or is its growth proportionate to that one absent mineral?


Any tips or info would be helpful

[thebigtomato]

hey that1guy,

just about anything can be grown hydroponically, including peppermint. I am just curious though, are you bringing your garden in side? if so, you can still grow in soil, basically a container garden inside. one thing I might suggest is a raised bed garden. being that your out in the desert, your soil is most likely on the alkaline side. there are simple kits you can buy at your local garden center that will test the pH of your soil and the available nutrients in the soil, there are amendments that you can buy as well to address nutrient deficiencies. if you go with a raised bed design, there are lots of soil mixtures you can find on line or just fill it with top quality potting soil, might be a little more expensive but it will give you a good place to start. also, about hydroponics, were you going to set that up out side? because that would be a great idea too. just make sure your reservoir is shaded. hope this helps, good luck!