tips & tricks
“ 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 .”
being used for long-term shifts in pH as it takes much longer for pellets to dissolve . To raise the pH of 100 square feet of medium density soil one degree on the pH scale takes , on average , 6.5 to seven pounds of lime . Sandier soils require closer to five pounds and harder , more dense soils require as much as eight pounds per 100 square feet . When using lime to increase pH , make sure to thoroughly water to ensure maximum dissolution . Note , however , it will take some time before you see a noticeable change in the pH , most likely about three to four weeks . If you need a faster way to increase your pH , you can try using potassium carbonate . A staple in the wine industry , potassium carbonate is a fine powder that almost instantly dissolves in water . This makes it ideal for application through irrigation . As opposed to lime , which takes time to dissolve and saturate , potassium carbonate is much more easily distributed throughout the soil in a short amount of time . The result is a much faster pH adjustment to acceptable levels . By adding potassium carbonate to your soil , you are also supplementing elemental potassium that will help strengthen plant cell walls .
If your plants just don ’ t seem to have the lush green appearance you are looking for and you feel you ’ ve tried everything , is it possible that you ’ ve skipped some of the basics ? In football , it is said the best players are the ones who can run , throw , catch , and tackle . Horticulture is no different . The ones with the best gardens are the ones who know how to do the basics , like balancing your pH . 96 grow cycle