Things You'll Need:
- Soil test results
- Compost or organic matter
- Garden lime (acidic soils)
- Powdered sulfure (alkaline soils)
- Spreader
- Pitchfork
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Step 1
First have soil tested at the local cooperative extension office, or purchase and use a soil test kit. The acid/alkaline scale ranges from 0 (pure acid) to 14 (pure alkaline). The soil pH determines how easily nutrients are available to the plants. Some plants need soil that tends to be more acidic, while other plants need soils that are more alkaline.
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Step 2
Test results with a pH of 5.0 - 6.0 indicate an acidic soil. Lime, added regularly to the soil, can correct the acidity. Be sure to apply lime carefully and in the amount recommended on the package. Over liming soil can create more problems. Another safe, organic way to correct an overly acidic soil is to add compost. The more organic matter and compost added to soil, the better.
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Step 3
Alkaline soil typically shows a pH of 7.0 to 8.0. Powdered sulfur added to an alkaline soil lowers the alkalinity, but it must be reapplied every six months. Again, adding lots of well aged compost, manure or other organic matter naturally brings the pH into balance too. Great additions to alkaline soils include shredded oak leaves, ground bark, aged sawdust, peat moss and pine needles.
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Step 4
Have your soil tested again after adding garden amendments. Be sure to test several sections. The pH can vary even among one garden plot, so testing from random sections ensures an accurate result.
