How to Correct Acidic Garden Soil Organically

A plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil is directly related to the soils pH. That's why it's so important to know whether your garden soil is acidic, alkaline or neutral. If you determine that your garden soil is too acidic, there are steps you can take to correct the problem. Alter the state of your acidic garden soil organically by amending the soil before planting time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine the pH of your garden soil. Check with your local county extension office to find out what the soil conditions are in your area or test it yourself using a pH test kit or pH meter. A pH of 6.5 to 7.0 is a good range for your garden soil.

2. Add 5 lbs. ground limestone per 100 square feet late in the fall season to raise the pH by one point. Limestone is available at your garden supply store. Applying it every 2 or 3 years may be necessary to help control the acid in your garden soil.

3. Work organic compost into the soil. This is probably the most important ingredient to add to your garden. It enriches the soil, encourages good insects, keeps moisture in the soil and assists in keeping the pH from fluctuating. Organic compost consists of any plant material, eggshells, cow or horse manure, vegetable trimmings and shredded leaves to name a few. A good compost pile is essential for an organically managed garden.

4. Use wood ash to raise the pH and provide potash, an important nutrient. Use wood ashes, not charcoal ashes, and be sure that the wood isn't chemically treated. A 5-gallon bucket of wood ash added to a 1,000-square-foot garden annually is probably enough.

Tips & Warnings

• Wood ash quickly changes the pH, but limestone takes up to 6 months to alter the acidity. Make sure you don't add so much of the wood ash that the soil is out of balance when the limestone kicks in.