Soil Reading

Hi folks. I just carried out a PH test on my soil. According to the reading, I have a PH level of at least 8.0. I'd always associated high PH with clay soil, but I have very little clay. Can someone tell me if this reading is ok ? Cheers...freddy.

 

You may have some chalk in your soil. Is the soil near a road? has it rained recently? acid rain may pump up the PH. still it is ok really

 

You ain't going to grow any Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias or anything like that. Higher PH tends to favour most vegetables. Don't add any lime though - which will raise the PH.

PH=7 is "normal", 14 is the max, so I don't think that 8 is very alkaline, but I can't off the top of my head remember what the range that plants tolerate is. Someone can come along ang correct me no doubt?!

 

Freddie,you're right clay soils tend to be on the alkaline side, what method are you using to test your pH? did you take several samples over a wide area?
Acid or ericaceuos is soil with a pH between 1 and 7, for example peaty soil,
Neutral soil with pH of exactly 7, for example some clay soils,
Alkaline or ‘limey’ with a pH between 7 and 14, for example chalky soil,
Soils in the uk can range between 4 (very acidic)and 8.5 (very alkaline) most plants prefer 6.5 - 7 as most nutrients are available then.Some plants prefer slightly acidic (rhodedendrons.heathers)and most veg .Some prefer alkaline (saxifrages,lilies,thymes)

 

Hi benacre. The garden is well away from the road. Can't say I've seen any chalk, would it be visible ? Hi kristen. This kit only goes up to 8, and it was darker than the scale, so I can't really say what the actual level is. I took the reading from my veg patch, and I must confess, I had great cabbages last year ! Is it safe to assume that the rest of the garden is likely to have the same reading ? Or, should I take further readings elsewhere ? I DO have one or two acid lovers in the 'cottage garden' Cheers...freddy.

 

Freddy I`d be inclined to try and bring it down a bit. Most plants prefer a neutral, to slightly acid, soil. You can do this by adding sedge, or dark, peat.:thumb:

 

Hi walnut. I used a kit that I bought from B & Q, which comes in a bottle. You add a sample of soil to a test tube type thingy , then add the fluid and shake it up a bit. No, I didn't take other samples, only the one, good point. Cheers...freddy.

 

Hi Dai. I seem to remember reading somewhere that growing veg in itself makes soil more acidic, is this true ? Otherwise I'll follow your advice. Cheers...freddy.

 

To get the average PH, Freddy, take 5 samples. You need to take the samples from about 6" down from the 4 corners and the centre of the site. Mix these samples together and test. Main rule is, WEAR GLOVES, do not take the samples with your bare hands as you will contaminate the test.:gnthb:

 

Wear gloves, of course !!! I should have known that, having kept fish for a few years, my initial readings were distorted by my handling of the test tubes. Thanks for reminding me :thumb: I'll take some more readings as you prescribe. Cheers...freddy.

 

We all do it, Freddy, you are not alone.:thumb:

 

Freddy - I think a good test is to see what grows in others peoples gardens around you. The pH is likely to be similar all around your area.

Whilst I can't disagree with what David says about trying to bring it down a bit. It may well be better to go with nature (ie grow plants that will grow in your soil) rather than try to fight nature. But I think a lot of plants are pretty tolerant.

 

I don't have much faith in the shop-kits, personally. I think trying to decide what colour they are is very "subjective".

If your soil is too alkaline Potatoes and Rhubarb will be lousy. That might be an indicator.

I have read that using composted pine needles is good for lowering PH. Also using a seaweed foliar feed will help - high PH tends to lock up the micro nutrients and prevent plants getting them, so they show deficieny (usually yellowing mottled leaves) and the seaweed foliar spray gives the plants those nutrients.

I expect you could also water in some sequester (usually Iron I think). I would certainly do that around any acid-loving plants you have or they will be toast :( I point blank refuse to grow those sorts of plants on our alkaline soil; my Mother spent years nurturing such plants in tubs and sequestering them, and they always looked pretty sick :(

 

Acid rain would lower the PH. The scale works from acid to alkaline so the lower the number, the higher the acidity.

PH 8 will make some plants struggle. Although according my my British wildflower book, all the best native flowers thrive in slightly alkaline soil.

There are ways to lower the PH if you want to, but the most cost effective solution depends on many factors, not least the area of land you want to adjust.

 

I thought a good sprinkling of iron sulphate and epsom salts raised the acidity-am I wrong? (I could do with being right though because that`s what I did last week)