how do I control soil pH?

Answer 1

in THEORY you can add lime to correct an acid soil and to make soil more acid you can mix in an ericaceous compost. But this is a lot of work and the soil tends to revert to it's general type over the years.

in PRACTICE it is better to grow the plants which succeed in the type of soil you already have. Others can be grown in containers, pots etc where you can put in the soil they need.

Answer 2

there is no quick permanent fix to pH. Whatever conditions contribute to the origional status will keep at it. A previous answer suggested to adapt your gardening plans to the situation. I agree, if you can find plants you like that will. It will save you fighting an uphill battle in the long haul. A vegetable garden is a different matter. Even most fertilizers and mulches will lower pH so liming can be a fall and spring chore. I've never had to deal with alkaline soil but most composts are acidic and will improve the soil texture anyway. In an acidic region, count on liming being a twice a year chore to start with but get regular soil tests done at a lab(not the home tests unless you have your results checked against lab results until you are sure of your technique. It's a very cheap investment considering all the other money and labor you are putting in to lawn and garden.

Answer 3

As the answers above said to raise pH use lime. Slow working but it works.

If you need to lower the pH use soil sulphur. Same deal--it's slow but it works.

And a few months after adding either you should test your soil to see what effect your applications are making. You can get inexpensive soil test kits at most L&G Centers.

Answer 4

go to the harware or nursery and get a PH soil tester kid. Add lime or compost as indicated by the tester kit.

Answer 5

If you needed to bring it up you could add lime.