Things You'll Need:
- Alkalinity test kit
- Hydrated lime
- Ground rock sulfur
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Step 1
Determine what the right amount of acidity your plants need. Each type of plant needs a different level of pH. In moist climates, a pH that is lower than 7.0 is okay. When you are located in a climate that's dryer, pH of 7.0 or above, is necessary. Find out what your soil's target range is by talking to professionals or your local garden center.
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Step 2
Buy a test kit to test for the soils alkalinity. Kits will include test tubes, testing solutions, and a color chart to compare the results to. These are available in local garden centers and nurseries, or find them online.
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Step 3
Follow the directions on the test kit. Usually, the process requires a soil sample from your garden put into a tube with testing solution added to the tube, according to the test kit directions. Then, mix by shaking and leave it sitting for an hour until it settles. Compare the color of the solution to that of the chart provided to you.
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Step 4
Interpret your alkalinity test results by comparing them to the chart, then following the directions provided for changing the composition of the soil. Most kits will come with advice on how to accomplish this.
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Step 5
Raise the pH of your soil by adding 4 oz. of hydrated lime (a readily available substance) for each square yard for soil that's gritty, or 12 oz. in clay soils, per point needed to be reduced. To lower the soil pH, add more acid to it by adding 1.2 oz. of ground rock sulfur (another readily available sample) for every square yard of soil in gritty soil conditions, or add 3.6 oz. if your soil is more clay based.
