From the Eunice Bulb And Blossom Garden Club
Ever wondered why some plants in the garden thrive while others struggle? The answer might be hidden beneath the surface – in the secret of soil pH.
Think of soil pH as a scale that measures how acidic or alkaline your soil is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 is acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline. Different plants prefer different pH levels, so understanding this balance is like discovering the key to a successful garden.
To find out a soil pH level buy pH test strips available at any store that sells garden supplies. Take a soil sample and mix it with water, dip the test strip into the water and see what color the strip tip becomes. The color change tells you the pH level.
The right pH helps a plant take in nutrients effectively. Imagine trying to eat with a stuffy nose. If the soil pH is not right, plants cannot “breathe” in the nutrients they need. Most plants prefer a neutral pH. A few plants prefer either acidic or alkaline and this information can be found online or in a local library.
To make the soil more acidic water with compost tea. To make compost tea, fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and let it sit out in the sun for 24 hours. This allows most of the chlorine to evaporate. Then add 1-2 cups (per gallon of water) of well-rotted compost material to the bucket of water. Stir periodically for over 48 hours so it steeps well. Strain the solution and use this compost tea for watering when you want a more acidic soil.
To make the soil more alkaline add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 gallon of water. Stir well and water the soil to make it more alkaline. With either process be sure to water the top 6 inches of soil. Test the soil after a week or two to see the results. Repeat when necessary.
Remember, even though soil pH is a powerful secret, it is not the only factor for plant success. Sunlight, water, soil aeration, and other conditions matter too. Unraveling the mystery of soil pH can give your garden a head start
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