How to Check Your Soil's PH Level

A pH scale is a system for testing levels of acidity and alkalinity. A soil's natural pH level is measured on a scale of 0-14. A level of "0" indicates an extreme level of acidity, and a level of "14" indicates an extreme level of alkalinity. A soil that is considered "neutral" would be a soil with a measurement of "7." Most garden soil has a pH level between pH4 and pH8.5.

If you care about the health of your plants, you should be mindful of your soil's pH for a variety of reasons. For example, the type and level of a soil's nutrients available for plants to absorb are directly related to the soil's pH level. Most plants thrive best in a soil that is neutral (pH =7). Some plants, however, are exceptions. Strawberries, for instance, flourish best in soil that is relatively acidic (ericaceous). On the other hand, plants such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower grow best in soil that is more alkaline (or limey). Obviously, then, you should know your soil's pH level before you select plants for your allotment to ensure the best chances for successful growth. To a small degree, you can adjust your soil's pH level, but your best bet is to wisely choose the best plants for your particular soil's pH level.

How to Use pH Testing Kits

To simply and accurately determine your soil's pH level, you can purchase a pH testing kit at any reputable garden center or do-it-yourself store. One of the easiest and most-accurate methods for testing follows these steps:

1.From various locations on your allotment, dig 3-4 small test holes.

2.Throw away roughly the top 3 inches (8 cm.) of the test soils and use the deeper soils as your test samples.

3.Finely crumble your samples and mix them together with each other. Then spread the crumbled mixture onto a tray to let it dry completely. (Hint: placing it on a radiator will speed the drying process)

4.In the kit's test tube, combine some of the dried soil with the powder or chemical that also comes with the kit.

5.Add de-ionized water or bottled water to the test tube contents. You can find de-ionized water in grocery stores, garden centers, and do-it-yourself store. Avoid using tap water because it will often alter the results due to its chemical and/or mineral content.

6.Put the lid on the test tube and shake it vigorously. Then leave it alone for about a minute.

7.Compare the color of the test tube sample to the chart provided in the kit. The color will indicate your soil's pH level.

A resulting test color of orange or yellow indicates that your soil is acidic. A soil that is more alkaline will give you a dark green color. If, however, your test color turns out to be a bright green, you have soil with a neutral pH level.

Another option for testing your soil's pH level is to purchase what is known as an electronic probe. These cost more to purchase, but their advantage is that they can be used repeatedly. Also, using them is quick and easy.

How to Use Electronic Probes

To check your soil's pH level using an electronic probe, follow these steps:

1.From various locations on your allotment, dig 3-4 small test holes and throw away roughly the top 3 inches (8 cm.) of the soil.

2.Crumble up the soil that is remaining in the hole and discard any debris such as rocks and twigs.

3.Completely fill the holes with water and wait for it to drain out.

4.Place the electronic probe into the drained wet soil in each of the holes. Wait for a minute and then read the results.

5.Make a notation of the readings from each hole. The readings will enable you to determine the average pH level of your allotment's soil.

Using a pH testing kit or an electronic probe will give you the information you need to accurately check your soil's ph level. You can also purchase kits that will help you learn the specific nutrients contained in your soil, such as the soil's level of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Even more sophisticated tests are available that can illustrate the trace elements in your soil such as magnesium and boron. The more useful information you have about your allotment's soil, the better you can choose appropriate plants and the better you can diagnose any problems your plants might experience.

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