Testing Your Soil

A soil test measures how acidic or alkaline your soil might be. If your soil has too much of either, plants won’t absorb the nutrients they need. Most plants grow best when the soil pH is in near-neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0, but there are exceptions. Blueberries and potatoes, for example, love acidic soil, so a pH above 7.0 will not make them happy.

With a soil test, the guess work is gone. You’ll know just what your soil needs. So, you’ll add the right amount of lime or sulfur, and you’ll select the best plant food, too.

Test And Adjust Soil’s pH:

To solve your soil mystery, grab a stainless steel trowel and get digging! Dig 6-8” deep if sampling garden soil, or 4” if testing your lawn’s soil.

Soil testing is easy with an at-home soil testing kit from Adams Garden centers. Not interested in an at-home test? Visit your local extension office.

Once you know your soil’s levels, you can adjust acidity and alkalinity in a way that’s good for the planet and your home. Go organic! Espoma soil amendments are 100% natural, safe to use around pets and children, and contain no fillers whatsoever.

Apply Espoma Organic Garden Lime to raise the pH of very acidic soil. Poke holes in the soil’s surface and scatter on the lime. Rake lightly into the top inch of soil.

Espoma’s Organic Soil Acidifier can be used to lower the pH of extremely alkaline soil. Compost also helps push the pH of any soil neutral.

Information courtesy of Espoma.com