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How to determine the ideal pH level of soil?

balaji27

Hello Team,

I would like to take your advice on the following:

1. What should be the ideal pH range for the soil to grow plants?

2. How to measure/determine the pH? (I know there are digital instruments, but not sure the accuracy of the results}

3. What are the ways to increase/decrease the pH (if the soil is found to be more acidic or basic)?

Is there a book, website or resource to refer or read about the plant and its protection & maintenance?

Thanks

Balaji.

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Comments

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @balaji27

Different plants like different pHs Usually if you buy the right fertilizer for those plants it contains most of the right ingredients to aid those plants like roses

There are cheap digital pH meters probaly not very accurate like the more proffesional meters. For most gardeners use pH test strips and a color chart which is reasonably accurate to the nearest unit not tenths of units, 0.1

You are right @balaji27 start reading books and watching you tubes and you will be an expert in no time.

But there are better gardeners than me here I know will be able to guide you better.

MitchellMc

Hi @balaji27,

@Jewelleryrescue has just about covered your questions there.

Most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. The ideal pH for soil is generally between 6.0 and 7.5. However, some plants may have specific preferences, so it's a good idea to research the pH requirements for the specific plants you are growing.

Using a PH test kit will provide the most accurate results.

To adjust soil pH, you can increase it (make it less acidic) by incorporating dolomitic lime. On the other hand, to decrease soil pH (make it more acidic), you can use elemental sulfur. It's crucial to test the soil regularly before making any adjustments and to follow recommendations based on the specific needs of your plants. Gradual changes are recommended to avoid stressing plants, and monitoring the pH over time ensures a suitable environment for plant growth.

However, as @Jewelleryrescue mentioned, it's best not to get too focused on PH levels and instead provide the plants with a suitable feeding regime for their type.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

balaji27

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/33444#Comment_33444

Thanks @Jewelleryrescue for your guidance, I will pH test strips.

You are correct, I am gaining knowledge from you all and watching YouTube videos.

Regards

Balaji.

balaji27

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/33471#Comment_33471

Thanks for your response @MitchellMc, very useful.

Akanksha

Hello @balaji27,

Great to see you've received helpful advice from our members.

Speaking of gaining knowledge through additional resources, I recommend checking out the following comprehensive guides from our knowledgeable horticulturalist @Noelle.

These guides contain useful advice that you might find handy when growing your plants. Don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions.

Akanksha

Noelle

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/33471#Comment_33471

A note of caution regarding pH testing:

Please keep in mind that most home pH test kits are designed for testing the natural garden soil found in your front or back yard, not potting mixes or bagged soils that usually contain quite high percentages of organic composts and manures.

Highly organic potting mixes (and even garden soils that have been heavily mulched or had lots of compost added over a period of time) will often give extremely inaccurate pH results when tested using a reagent mixed with the sample and then checked against a colour chart or tested via test strips.

As @MitchellMc says, giving plants the balanced fertiliser they require and looking after them well will result in healthy plants. Don't get hung up on the numbers!

balaji27

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/33551#Comment_33551

Thanks a lot @Akanksha for sharing the articles, I will read through it.

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