The soil is a major consideration in the health and success of your garden. If you’re planning to plant a garden, it’s important to have the soil tested. A common issue in home gardens is acidic soil. Most plants thrive best when the soil is in the neutral range. Therefore, soil should be tested prior to planting to determine its pH. If necessary, the acidity of the soil can be adjusted, and you will be able to select plants that thrive in your specific soil type. This will result in a healthier, more productive garden.
Understanding pH Levels and Adjusting Soil Acidity
Testing pH
The condition of your plants can give you a good indication of the condition of your soil. If your plants are limp and the leaves are yellowing, this could suggest acidic soil. When the pH of the soil is either too low or too high, the plant cannot absorb the necessary nutrients it needs. You can correct this by adding lime to raise the pH of the soil and incorporating organic material, such as compost, to nourish the plants.
If you suspect a pH imbalance, you can test your soil. Home pH test kits are available online or at garden supply stores. Various test kits on the market can give you quick results. In most cases, you’ll want your garden’s pH to be fairly neutral. If the test results are below 7, the soil is acidic; if above 7, the soil is alkaline.
Once you know the pH level, you can begin to adjust it. If the soil is acidic, you can slowly raise the pH to bring it into the neutral range. If the soil is alkaline, you’ll want to gradually lower the pH toward neutral, as most plants thrive in neutral soil. This adjustment process can take several months and is not something that happens overnight.
Altering pH
The time required to alter the pH will depend on how acidic or alkaline the soil is. For soil with very low pH, the process may take up to a year or more. Keep in mind that this is a long-term project and won’t yield immediate results. Soil that is only slightly acidic will take less time to adjust. For this reason, it’s a good idea to test your soil annually. Regular testing will allow you to address pH imbalances more quickly.
If you have acidic soil in your garden, you can raise the pH by adding lime. The amount needed depends on the pH test results and soil type. Less lime is required for sandy soil compared to soil that contains clay. For sandy soil, about four ounces of lime per square yard is a good starting point. For clay soil, you may need twelve ounces per square yard. Start with small amounts; no more than five pounds per 100 square feet of soil should be added initially.
If your garden’s soil is alkaline, you’ll want to lower the pH. This can be done by adding sulfur. The amount of sulfur to use depends on the soil type and pH test results. In general, adjusting alkalinity is easier than adjusting acidity. Start with about two pounds of sulfur per 100 square feet if the soil is only slightly alkaline. More sulfur may be required for very alkaline soil. Compost is also a natural and effective way to lower the pH of your garden soil.
Adjusting the pH in your garden is not always necessary. It can be unproductive to fight against the natural conditions of your soil. When planning your garden, choose plants that are well-suited for the type of soil you have. If you have acidic soil, consider planting acid-loving plants. On the other hand, plants that prefer an alkaline environment won’t thrive in acidic soil.
The same approach applies to alkaline soil. While it’s helpful to adjust the pH toward neutral, keep in mind that your soil may always lean slightly alkaline. In this case, select plants that are adapted to this type of soil. By working with the natural properties of your soil, your garden will flourish with less frustration.
