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The results from store-bought pH tests often are so far off that acting based off of what they tell you can kill your lawn/plants. It is probably best to have your soil professionally tested, which should only cost about $35 (cheaper than the most of the basic store-bought pH meters that will do any good). | |||
For a lawn, a pH of 6.2 to 6.9 means to relax. Grass favors a pH of about 6.5 - and you are in the zone! | |||
If your pH is 5.9 to 6.1 or 7.0 to 7.2, adjusting the pH will noticeably help, but I would be powerfully tempted to let it go. | |||
This is a good time to point out that compost is the great neutralizer. No matter what your current pH, compost brings your pH closer to optimal. In general, lime and wood ash are used to raise pH (make more alkaline), and gardeners sulfur and peat moss are used to lower it (make more acidic). Please look into how to properly apply these materials before trying. | |||
For guidelines on how to check your soil pH, change your soil pH, and for a chart of optimal pH for various plants, visit:[http://www.richsoil.com/ph/ soil pH stuff] at richsoil.com, or check out [http://www.permies.com/bb/index.php?topic=4295.0 pH forum thread] at permies.com | For guidelines on how to check your soil pH, change your soil pH, and for a chart of optimal pH for various plants, visit:[http://www.richsoil.com/ph/ soil pH stuff] at richsoil.com, or check out [http://www.permies.com/bb/index.php?topic=4295.0 pH forum thread] at permies.com | ||
Revision as of 20:10, 13 April 2011
The results from store-bought pH tests often are so far off that acting based off of what they tell you can kill your lawn/plants. It is probably best to have your soil professionally tested, which should only cost about $35 (cheaper than the most of the basic store-bought pH meters that will do any good).
For a lawn, a pH of 6.2 to 6.9 means to relax. Grass favors a pH of about 6.5 - and you are in the zone!
If your pH is 5.9 to 6.1 or 7.0 to 7.2, adjusting the pH will noticeably help, but I would be powerfully tempted to let it go.
This is a good time to point out that compost is the great neutralizer. No matter what your current pH, compost brings your pH closer to optimal. In general, lime and wood ash are used to raise pH (make more alkaline), and gardeners sulfur and peat moss are used to lower it (make more acidic). Please look into how to properly apply these materials before trying.
For guidelines on how to check your soil pH, change your soil pH, and for a chart of optimal pH for various plants, visit:soil pH stuff at richsoil.com, or check out pH forum thread at permies.com