Three Ravens Ranch
 
    Natural Plant Selection Specialists  
 
  Kits For Landscape Design For Wildlife And Pasture Tools To Beautify Your Landscape  
 
         
         
  Here are some questions which may be of assistance to you. We hope you will find your answer here. However please feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have regarding the Natural Plant Selector Kit.

Click on the topics in table of contents to view questions and answers.

Natural Plant Selector Kit. Increase your planting success. Kit provides an excellent way to Learn which plants and seeds are right for your property. Kit contains soil sample bags, soil sample gloves, postage pre-paid mailing box and mailing label, soil sampling instructions and personalized survey form.

When testing and analysis are completed you'll receive Your own detailed report. Comprehensive 8 to 10 page report prepared by Professional consultants provides a list of plants, contact information for seed and plant sellers in your area, guidelines and techniques for planting based on the analysis of soil and micro-climate conditions of your site and targeted to your specific landscape Objectives.

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  Basic Guidelines: Soil Testing

How do I collect the soil for my assay?

Complete instructions are included in your kit. Please call or e-mail if you need additional help.

What does the soil test in the Natural Plant Selector Kit test analyze?

The analysis, from an accredited university lab, gives results for soil particle size (texture) and the degree of acidity or alkalinity (pH). Additional data specific to your objectives may include either macro nutrients N (Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus) and K (Potassium) or balance of sodium, magnesium and calcium ions (SAR) and electrical conductivity (EC).

How does soil analysis help select seeds and plants for my property?

Every plant species has unique requirements for growth and reproduction. Plants draw water and nutrients from the soil. Soil texture and pH affect the availability of water and nutrients.

By knowing the soil properties of texture and pH, plants and seeds can be selected that will thrive in your property's soil.

Additional analysis of soil characteristics of SAR and EC or N-P-K help determine how well your soil conditions correlate with the native soils of your EcoRegion.

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  Your Location

How does knowing the specific Longitude and Latitude location of my property help me get the best seeds and plants for my property?

Plant species distribution in nature is determined by climate as well as soil properties. Latitude, continental location, and altitude influence climate and determine which plants will thrive at your location.

By looking at your actual site location, the Natural Plant Selector Kit determines more precise climate characteristics for your site then the generalized planting zones found in seed catalogs.

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  Climate

How does the analysis of the climate for my location affect plant and seed selection?

Every plant species has a unique range of moisture and sunlight requirements at various stages of it's life cycle. By knowing the climate conditions of your property, plants with attributes adapted to your climate can be selected.

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  EcoRegions

What is an EcoRegion?

EcoRegions comprise areas in nature where natural boundaries such as rivers and mountains and soil properties and climate attributes define communities of plants and animals specific to that area.

What does the study of EcoRegions have to do with getting the right plant for my property?

In nature, plants are adapted to unique climate and soil conditions or ecosystems. EcoRegion study looks at which plants and animals exist in a regional scale ecosystem and how they interrelate within a community.

We look at both native plants specific to your EcoRegion and natural or adapted plants for your site that have characteristics similar to the natives of your EcoRegion.

How can Three Ravens Ranch get accurate data for my site?

Three Ravens Ranch researches national data bases that hold field information gathered from aerial photography, GIS mapping and historical data developed by both governmental and non governmental agencies.

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  Plants

What is the difference between the native and natural plants Three Ravens Plant Selector Kit recommends?

Native- indigenous: Indicates plants and animals believed to have existed in the locality since before historic times.

Natural: native and nonnative introduced plants that are adapted to the soil and climate of a site that do not require additional amendments or irrigation for survival after establishment.

Depending on your objectives, Three Ravens Ranch recommends either native plants or both native and nonnative adapted species.

Why is it important to plant site specific seeds and plants?

Once established, plants adapted to your site do not require additional irrigation, are resistant to invasions of noxious weeds, contribute to the healthy microbiological soil conditions, and provide food and habitat for native wildlife.

Where do I get the plants and seeds recommended in my report?

Your report has contact information for sellers and nurseries who provide seeds and plants grown specifically for your area.

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  Objectives

How do my objectives determine which plants and seeds are selected?

Plants and seeds are selected that have characteristics which provide benefits appropriate to your objectives. For example if your objective is creating or improving wildlife habitat, your selection list would include plants and seeds that provide food and shelter for wildlife. If your interest is creating better pasture for your livestock your list focuses on plants that supply specialized nutritional needs for your animal. Landscape plant lists and guidelines focus on the aesthetic qualities of your property. For hunting properties plants and seeds are selected that enhance shelter, browse and forage for game birds and mammals.

How do I determine my specific needs?

The question and answer survey which is included in your kit determines current conditions and asks you about specific concerns and goals that you may have for your landscape objective.

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  Ordering Guidelines

When is the best time to order my kit?

Now is the best time to begin planning your planting project. Soil collecting for the basic soil analysis can be done anytime that the ground is workable.

How long does it take?

As soon as we receive your collected soil, analysis at the lab takes between 2 and 3 weeks. Within 1 week of our receipt of soil analysis data from the lab, your plant and seed recommendations and report are mailed to you.

What if I have further questions or need more assistance in placing my order?

We are happy to answer any question by e-mail. Your may reach us by e-mail at our ranch.

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