Check the pH Level
*The pH level of your soil is the measure of it's acidity or alkalinity. On a scale of 1 to 14, most plants thrive between 6.0 and 7.0.* To get an accurate reading you can send a soil sample to your local Extension office. You can also do this simple test at home to get an idea. Take a tablespoon of dry soil and add a few drops of vinegar. If it fizzes, the pH is plus 7.5. Take a tablespoon of wet soil and add baking soda. If it fizzes, it's too acidic.
*Alkaline soils (above 7.0)can be neutralized by adding peat moss, or small amounts of aluminum sulphate. Acidic soils (below 6.0) can be neutralized by adding lyme.
Mar 19th 2008 @ 9:55AM
Creating Healthy Soil
