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Step 1
Use a home test kit to determine the pH of your soil. You can find these at most home & garden stores. A pH of 7 is neutral; higher is alkaline and lower is acidic. You can also test the soil yourself using baking soda. Just drop 1/2 tsp. onto a wet soil sample. If it fizzes, the soil is definitely acidic.
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Step 2
Learn what pH your plants prefer. Most garden plants (e.g., fruits, beans, flowers) need the soil pH to stay between 6 and 6.5. However, there are plenty of exceptions. Azaleas, gardenias, camellias, rhododendrons, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, and potatoes all prefer soil pH between 4.5 and 6.
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Step 3
If you need to decrease soil pH in your garden, which will make it less acidic, sprinkle 3-10lbs. of dolomitic limestone per 10 sq. ft. of soil. Use slightly larger amounts for heavier clay-like soil. To increase pH, which will make the soil more acidic, spread ash from your fireplace in the same amount.
