How to Increase PH Levels

Ensure healthy plants by maintaining a proper soil pH.

A balanced pH level in soil is essential for the proper and healthy growth of vegetative life. Whether you are planting an entire orchard, an herb garden or a single flower, the pH should be geared towards the preference of the plant. Most plants need to be in soils with a neutral pH level, however some plants need to be in more acidic or alkaline soils. If your soils pH is too low (acidic) for incoming plants, lime can be added to neutralize or make the soil more alkaline.

Things You'll Need

• Garden lime

Instructions

1. Use a soil test kit to determine the current pH level of the soil. Soil test kits can be obtained from you local extension office or from lawn and garden stores. Follow the instructions to test and read the results.

2. Sprinkle the appropriate amount of garden lime onto the soil to raise the pH. For sandy soil, sprinkle a 1/2-cup of lime per square yard of ground. For loam soil, sprinkle 1 cup of lime per square yard. For clay soil, sprinkle 1-1/2 cups of lime per square yard. For peat or organic matter, sprinkle 3 cups of lime per square yard.

3. Water the soil evenly with at least one inch of water to activate and saturate the lime.

4. Wait at least one week before planting to insure that the lime will not cause harm to seedlings.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not add lime to soil more than once a year, as lime takes time to breakdown and an over saturation of lime can end up inhibiting growth and blossoming.

References

• Allotment Vegetable Growing: Lime - the Vital Fertiliser!
• The Garden Helper: How to Test and Adjust your Soil pH