How to Test the PH of Garden Soil Using PH Paper
Knowing the pH of garden soil is useful when determining where to plant a garden. While most plants prefer a neutral range of pH for soil between 6.5 and 7.5, plants such as blueberries and azaleas grow better in acidic soil with a lower pH range. Once a gardener knows if their soil is acidic or alkaline, they can adjust the soil's pH with soil amendments. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a spot in your garden to take soil samples from.
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Dig a teaspoon of soil from the surface of your garden and place it in a sample jar. Then dig down about 4 inches with your teaspoon and take another teaspoon full of soil.
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Mix the soil thoroughly. Then add 4 teaspoons of water to the mixture.
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Dip pH paper into the water and then wait for the paper to change according to the pH.
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Place a piece of masking tape on the lid of your jar and label the location that your soil came from as well as the pH of the soil.
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Repeat this process for several more locations throughout your garden to give you an accurate picture of your overall garden pH.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't confuse pH paper and Litmus paper. Litmus paper will show whether a substance is acid or alkaline, but will not show the pH level. pH paper changes color depending on the pH of the substance being tested.
