The Basic pH Soil Treatment With Vinegar

Add vinegar if your garden soil's pH level is too high.

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of garden soil. Acidic soil is between 0 and 7 on the scale, while alkaline soil is between 7 and 14. A pH of 7 indicates perfectly neutral soil.

Function

The pH of vinegar is between 4.0 and 4.5. Adding vinegar to neutral or alkaline soil lowers the overall pH.

Testing

Check your soil with a pH testing kit to obtain a baseline measurement before adding vinegar. Test the soil again the next day to see if vinegar should be added to further reduce the pH level.

Method

Pour a combination of 2 tbsp. vinegar and 1 gallon water onto the garden soil. Because vinegar breaks down rapidly in soil, this process must be repeated every two to three days to maintain the lowered pH level. An injector also can be installed to add vinegar to the garden's irrigation system at periodic intervals.

References

• New Mexico State University: Modify Soil pH
• Indoor Gardening Guide: pH Testing
• Gardening Know How: Lower Soil pH for Blueberries