Soil pH is a vital element in the curb appeal equation. Testing pH in soil is an easy process and the tool to test your soil can be easily purchased at your local hardware store for little money. Knowing your soil pH can help you understand what will grow where you plan to plant.
When testing your soil pH level, 1 is the most acidic and 14 is most alkaline with a 7 considered neutral. Make soil testing a part of your routine gardening at least every 3 years or when you are having difficulty with plant health. Testing and making the necessary adjustments will improve the health, size and quality of your plants and vegetables. Test the soil in potted house hold plants too. The pH levels can change in these as well, preventing nutrients from getting to the plant.
Pick up a handful of soil, and it is usually composed of clay and sand. If it is moist and dark in color and does not fall through your fingers easily, then it most likely has a good balance between the clay and sand. Take the handful of dirt and stir into a clear glass of water. Let the water mixture stand for several hours until the soil settles and the water clears.
Sand will usually settle on the bottom, and the clay and organic matter will usually float to the top. Looking at the sides of the glass will show what your soil is usually made up of. Select an area of soil to test and dig 6 to 8 inches deep for plants, flowers and vegetables. You will want to test each area separately that has a different variety of plant.
Use a trowel and throw out your first scoop of soil. Then scoop 1/2- to 1-inch slice of soil at the back of the hole, and place in a clean container. Repeat this step in about 5 or 6 areas and allow drying naturally. Take a scoop of soil (once your samples are dry) and put the soil into a plastic container.
Take your sample to a gardening store for testing. Or you may choose to purchase a pH testing kit from a hardware or gardening store.
One last bit of advice… before replacing or installing a new lawn, be sure to check the pH of the soil before installing large areas of grass. Oak trees and pine trees will drop their leaves to acidify the soil at their base. This natural process will affect the grass by starving it to death.
Soil pH Testing
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