Pine bark pH normally ranges from 4.0 - 5.0. Chemical properties of Conifer Bark: Quite high in P and sufficient K Deficient Ca, Mg, and S Sufficient micro-nutrients, except for B and Zn Potentially high Fe:Mn ratio Al

I've had TIKI for maybe 6yrs. I originally got it from Roses Unlimited a few yrs before, but it died. It, and it's sister VIOLET CARSON (which I got own root from Vintage Gardens about the same time) have been very slow growers. Both are barely 2ft tall. Neither repeats all that great. But when they bloom they are both lovely. TIKI is a salmony-pink with a darker edge. It does often get an apricoty center. VIOLET CARSON is a more peachy color with a creamy reverse. I like both of them, but I just wish they'd grow a little taller and bloom more often.

I wouldn't invest a lot of money in something like that. There are prime PH ranges (not sure what TDS is) but if you are not having problems, then why bother. If you are growing in ground that has worked before, then you should be good to go. If you are growing in containers and use a standard or well know soil mix, then you should be fine. If this is your first year growing either way, then I would say just plant them and see what happens. But that is just me and I try to not get too fancy or extravagant. There are others who wouldn't dream of growing anything without having their soil tested professionally. Peppers seem to be pretty adaptive in my opinion and that is one of the reasons I enjoy growing them. Bruce

Wow, expensive. I can buy over 500 boxes of Borax for the price. If you ask me, not worth it, unless you are operating a water park.