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Soil pHSoil pH level is important to know because it affects the way plants absorb nutrients from the soil. The pH scale is used to measure how acidic or alkaline the soil is. You can purchase a pH test kit from a garden store, nursery, or through an online catalog.  It is a specially treated strip of paper called litmus paper that will turn pink or blue depending on the pH level of the soil. If the pH level is 1 to 3, the soil is very acidic, like lemons. Few plants will tolerate acidic soil except blueberries. If the soil has a pH level of 4 to 7, it is neutral, which most plants prefer. If the pH level is greater than 7, it is alkaline, like the soil in the desert, and most plants can't adapt to it except cacti. Some universities have a Department of Agriculture that will test your soil for you, sometimes for free. Ask what size sample they require and how to prepare it for shipping. | ||
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