Ask the Plant

Charles Walters and Esper K Chandler

Conventionally grown plants have for decades relied upon the fertilization philosophy of copious amounts of soluble nitrogen aimed to force-feed the landscape green.  But after more than seven decades, the soils are being mined, not replenished – especially of organic matter and minerals.

Ask the Plant, based on the agronomy of Esper K Chandler, offers farmers and growers a better way.  Author Charles Walters draws on Chandler’s copious knowledge and experience to teach readers how to read the unique language of plants, utilize the benefits of leaf and petiole testing, and formulate strategies to produce a better crop using only the fertilizers and soil-building ingredients that are truly needed, when they are most needed.

The plant is the judge, jury and sometimes executioner of the grower.  “Asking the plant” through petiole or leaf tissue testing is the best way to find out what nutrients are being taken up by the roots right now – a much more timely and accurate conversation, Chandler asserts, than conventional soil testing.