tips & tricks
“ THE EASIEST way to determine pH is by using an electronic pH meter .”
pH UP , pH DOWN
If you are looking for a faster way to condition your soil and bring the pH down to range , there are a couple of fast-acting solutions . One of the best and fastest methods is using aluminum sulfate . Aluminum sulfate is non-toxic to plants in limited amounts and will instantly bring down the pH of your problematic soil . If you are looking to treat your soil before planting your garden , make sure to measure it out and do the right calculations before you start applying . As a general rule , for every 0.5 drop in the pH scale you wish to achieve , you will need 0.6 pounds ( 275 grams ) of aluminum sulfate for every 10 square feet of soil . Using a good pair of gloves , evenly spread the aluminum sulfate around your garden . It will lower the pH of the soil as it dissolves . If you need to lower the pH of a single developed plant , you can target the area by adding a quarter cup of aluminum sulfide to a gallon of water and apply . Raising the pH of your soil is just as easy . If you find that it is too acidic , all you have to do is add a base . One of the more popular and easily accessible bases is lime . Not only is lime an excellent supplement for increasing the pH of the soil , but it also provides an additional source of calcium and magnesium . Adding lime also increases aeration and airflow and increases water penetration in soil that may have been damaged by low pH . Lime used in gardens comes in a variety of forms , most commonly powder and pellets . Powder is most effective , with pellets 94 grow cycle