Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Test the pH value with a commercial soil test
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Do you want to create a garden? Then it is important that you know the pH value of the soil. The pH is the measure of the acidity of the soil. Different plants require different acidity levels, so knowing the pH of your soil can help you grow plants that thrive in that soil, or you can modify the soil so that you can grow other types of plants. It is easy to measure the pH and there are several ways to do it.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Test the pH value with a commercial soil test

1. Make the soil less acidic. If the pH of your soil is below 7, you can add lime to the soil. You can buy this at the garden center.
2. Make the soil less alkaline. If the soil pH is above 7, you can add organic matter such as pine needles, peat or composted leaves to the soil.
3. Change the pH of your soil to make it suitable for certain plants. For example, you can sprinkle lime in some places in your garden if the plants there like a less acidic soil. The pH value does not have to be the same throughout your garden; you can vary depending on the different types of plants you have.

Tips

• Record the results in a booklet or document on your computer. You may need them for something later.
• Take multiple tests. Do a minimum of 6 tests in different parts of the garden.
• Some tests display the pH as a color rather than a number. In that case, green usually means neutral pH; yellow or orange usually means sour; and dark green means basic soil.
• Prevent deviations in the results by making sure your test stick, scoop and containers are clean. Do not grab the soil with your bare hands.
• Make sure the tester is properly calibrated before reading.
• Ask the garden center for information about soil testing, or if you want professional help with soil testing.

Warnings

• Some tests work differently than described in this article. Always read the instructions that come with the packaging.
• As mentioned above, you should always use distilled water if you want an accurate result.

Necessities

• pH test
• Small scoop
• Distilled water
• Red cabbage
• Knife
• Stove
• Pan
• Containers or cups
• Vinegar
• Baking soda