Why should you worry about acidity or alkalinity of your soil? Should you worry about it? Of course, yes. Knowing the pH levels of your soil is essential for optimal plant growth and a good harvest. Even though the first-time gardeners don’t know the importance of it, professionals gardeners know all about it. OK, let me ask you a question! Are you frustrated about dying plants in the garden? No matter how hard you try, every year; the dream of garden crop never become a reality. The issue is with the soil. Well, the issue is with you because you haven’t understood the importance of soil testing yet.
When it comes to soil testing, a Soil Test Kit is your best friend. Even a first-time gardener can use Soil Test Kit easily. I would like to talk a bit more about the importance of soil testing. Actually, we measure the pH here. pH or the power of hydrogen refers to acidity or the alkalinity of soil in your garden. Why is it so important? Well, the pH level indicates available nutrients in the soil for optimal plant growth. Every plant is different (plant groups.) For example, the ideal pH level that is needed for tomatoes is very much different to what it is needed for roses. So, as the first step, get your Soil Test Kit and know the pH of the soil. Depending on the type of plant, you will have to add nutrients to the soil in right amounts.
How to test soil without a Soil Test Kit
First of all, I would like to say – a Soil Test Kit will give you more accurate results than any DIY methods. Anyway, I am giving you a DIY method here:
* Baking Soda and Vinegar soil pH test
You will need the following items to do this test:
* Baking soda.
* White vinegar.
* Water.
* 2 sample containers.
* And your soil sample.
Fill one container with some soil, and add half a cup of white vinegar. If you notice bubbles or fizzes, then your soil is more alkaline. But why? Bubbles occur due to a chemical reaction (the chemical reaction that takes place when an acid come into contact with a base.)
If no reaction occurred in the first scenario, then add a new sample of soil into the second container. Add water and mix well (a half cup of water is sufficient.) Now, add half a cup of baking soda. If you notice fizzes or bubbles, then the soil is highly acidic. Well, that is due to the reaction that takes place when an acid comes into contact with a base (baking soda.)
If your soil has a neutral pH, then it will not react to either test.
But now you understand the downsides of DIY soil testing methods. I mean, it just gives you a rough idea of pH levels of the soil. The Soil Test Kit, on the other hand; will give you exact values. A pH Meter can also be used for determining soil pH.
Some final words
A Soil Test Kit is the best option for accurate pH readings. DIY methods will give you a rough idea of the acidity or the alkalinity of the soil in your garden.
Donald Schille
March 12, 2018Great post however , I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Bless you!