How to Test the PH Level of Garden Soil

Testing the pH level of garden soil is an important step to maintaining a healthy garden, even if it has been successful for many years. PH levels range from 1 to 14, and most plants grow well in the middle of that range from a 6.0 to 7.0. PH levels also affect the nutrients that a plant receives, and those levels can change over time. Here are some helpful suggestions to test the pH level of garden soil.

Things You'll Need

• A pH testing kit (if self-testing)
• Clean plastic container for each area you are testing
• Garden trowel
• Glass of water

Instructions

1. 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.

2. Test the soil in potted houseplants, too. The pH levels can change in these as well, preventing nutrients from getting to the plant.

3. Pick up a handful of soil. Soil 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 to dry naturally.

7. Take a scoop of soil (once your samples are dry) and put the soil into a plastic container.

8. 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.

Tips & Warnings

• Your local garden store may perform soil tests or recommend a service that does.

• Keep any soil testing reports and sort by date. Document the results for future adjustments.

• On the pH scale, a 1 is the most acidic and a 14 is the most alkaline with a 7 considered neutral. Compost can be added to the soil to help neutralize a low or high pH level as well as add nutrients.

• If you wait until planting time, it is too late to change the pH level of the soil.