How to Adjust the pH of your Soil Naturally

Most of us live in an area where the pH (acidity) of our soils could use some adjustment. Many of the agents sold for amending the soil contain toxins; here's how to amend the pH of your soil naturally and gradually, to give your plants the pH level they prefer. You'll be rewarded with a more beautiful yard!

As with all natural methods, these work gradually to adjust your soil's pH. Don't expect instant results, but over time you will see a huge improvement!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soil test kits (available from your nursery or county agricultural extension agent)
• Used tea or coffee
• Fireplace ashes or used baking soda

1. The first step is to test your soil. Get a soil test kit (often free) from your local nursery or county agricultural extension agent, and follow the directions on the kit.

2. Once you have your results back, take pictures of your plants and identify them, if you can. Consult with your nursery or county agricultural extension agent on whether your soil needs to be more acid or alkaline, depending on your test results, and your plants and their condition.

3. If you need more acidic soil, empty your used tea bags or coffee grounds onto your soil. You can simply sprinkle it over the top, or you can work it into the soil. Either way, this will acidify your soil. Test again after a few months. If you have leftover coffee or tea, don't pour it down the drain but pour it on your soil, instead!

4. If you need more alkaline soil, save your fireplace ashes and sprinkle over the soil. Don't have a fireplace, or a neighbour with one? Take that old box of baking soda that's been in your refrigerator forever and sprinkle it over your soil. Both these substances are very strong in pH so test your soil again after 6-8 weeks.

5. Once you have reached your desired pH level, test your soil every year. Acidify or alkalinize your soil, depending on your plants' condition and health.

Tips & Warnings

• It's best to run separate soil tests on different parts of your yard. Microclimates can vary greatly, and you don't know what someone dumped on one section of your yard 100 years ago that could still be affecting it.

[sunshine11219]

on 1/20/2009 very interesting article

[wordstock]

on 1/20/2009 Very good information. Knowing what your plants like is very important.