Plant Gardens 101

pH is a gardening term used to reflect the acidity or alkalinity of a soil. The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 1 being very acid and 14 being very alkaline. A pH reading of 7 is considered neutral. Most soils, due to climatic conditions, tend to be a little on the acidic side and these soils may need to have their alkalinity levels raised (meaning they may need to be “limed”). In dry arid climates soils are often on the alkaline side and for good gardening, they will need to have pH their levels lowered. Usually a phone call to your local county Extension office can give you a general idea of soil pH in your area. For site or garden specific information, the Extension Service offers soil collection kits and for a nominal fee, will provide the lab service needed for measuring your soil’s pH. They will also make specific liming or acidifying recommendation for your garden.

Different plants prefer different pH levels, however, as a general rule, most plants thrive in a pH range between 6.0 to 6.8. Some favorite Cottage Farms garden plants like azaleas, blueberries, and rhododendrons actually do better in more acid soils (pH 5.0-6.0). Hydrangeas do well anywhere from 5.0-6.8, but the flower color may be affected (blue flowers in acid soils and pink in more neutral soils). Having the optimum pH range insures proper nutrient availability and allows fertilizers to more readily absorbed by the roots, so checking your garden’s pH is important to insure gardening success.

Once you have determined your soil’s pH level the following Cottage Farms guidelines may be helpful as you modify and maintain your garden soil’s pH level. Three things to keep in mind are:

· The process of changing and managing soil pH is as a long term project. pH changes take place gradually and you will need to judge your results on a seasonal basis.

· Soil type and texture will affect the amount of lime or sulfur needed to alter pH levels.

· Raising your soils alkalinity is easier than making it more acidic. Acidifying an alkaline soil is often best left to landscape experts.

Raising pH levels (liming) reduces acidity:
Pounds of lime needed to raise a pH level to 6.5 (rates are pounds of lime per 1000 square feet). Always select Dolomitic lime because it contains both calcium and magnesium, both of which are essential plant nutrients.

Lowering your pH levels (acidifying) increases acidity:
Pounds of sulfur needed to lower your soils pH to 6.5 (rates are pounds of sulfur per 1000 sq. feet).

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