Soil pH and how to choose it correctly
Have you ever wondered what secret lies beneath your feet in the garden? It's the pH of the soil! It's one of the most important things for the well-being of your plants. Each of your green friends has their own preferences. Let's find out what pH level would make your garden inhabitants happiest and how to create the perfect conditions for them!
The Secret Power of Soil - pH
Having the right soil pH is like having the magic key to a lush, healthy garden. We often focus on fertilizer or soil fertility. It’s important! But pH is the area that determines whether plants will be able to absorb all the goodness you give them. The right pH is vital.
Incorrect pH rarely kills plants outright. But it can gradually stunt their growth. The flowers will be less abundant. The yield will be more modest. Of course, many plants are real adaptators! For example, hydrangeas. They even change the color of their flowers depending on whether they grow in more acidic or alkaline soil.
For most gardens, a pH of around 6.5 is ideal. That’s a little on the acidic side, but close to neutral. Many plants thrive in this range (6.0–7.0). There are some picky eaters, though. Blueberries and azaleas need a more acidic environment. Ferns or asparagus, on the other hand, will do best in neutral or slightly alkaline soil.
Why is pH so important?
Think of the soil and the plant as perfect partners. When they get along, when the pH is right for the plant, it can easily take up all the nutrients it needs. Then it grows strong and healthy.
All plants are sensitive to soil pH. This indicator, represented by numbers from 0 to 14, shows the concentration of hydrogen ions. The lower the number, the more acidic the soil. The more hydrogen ions. The higher the number, the more alkaline the soil. Sometimes it is said - “sweeter”. Most often, the soil in our gardens is slightly acidic, about pH 6.5. If the pH falls below 3.5 - very acidic. From 3.6 to 4.5 - acidic. From 4.6 to 5.5 - moderately acidic. And 5.6-6.5 - slightly acidic. This is exactly the slightly acidic environment that most vegetables and flowers like.
Soil pH for lush lawns
Dreaming of a perfect lawn? First, check the soil pH – it should be between 6.5 and 7.2. If it is too acidic (less than 5), the lawn will have difficulty growing; in this case, lime will come in handy in the spring. If it is too alkaline, superphosphate or potassium sulfate will help. Before sowing, it is important to get rid of weeds, sometimes special means (herbicides) are even needed. In the spring (March), loosen the soil well to a depth of about 10-15 cm, and after a few weeks, when you are sure that weeds will no longer be a problem, sow the selected lawn mixture in late April or early May.
When the grass starts to sprout and you mow it for the first time, pamper it with special fertilizers, especially those containing nitrogen and potassium - this will give it strength to grow. If unwanted plants appear, you can fight them with herbicides only before the first mowing or on an already established lawn, so as not to accidentally burn the young seedlings. Don't forget the most important thing - water! Both newly sown and old lawns crave moisture, especially on hot days. It is best to water early in the morning. Regular mowing in the summer, maintaining an optimal height of 3-5 cm, is also important - a lawn cut too short becomes more susceptible to diseases and the heat of the sun.
When choosing seeds, pay attention to their composition (the most popular are fescue, mistletoe, and sand grass) and the purpose of the lawn – whether children will play on it or you will just admire it. Usually, the best choice is a mixture of several types, because different grasses adapt better to various conditions (sun, shade, cold, heat) and form a dense, resistant carpet. Do not forget about the care of an older lawn – in the spring it is very useful to “air” it by aerating it (especially in dry weather), and after that – pamper it with fertilizer and water. After aerating, be sure to carefully rake out the old grass so that the lawn does not start to mold. A little love and care – and your lawn will please the eye all season long!
Nutrient "cocktail" for plants
Plant roots only absorb nutrients dissolved in water. How much and what kind of substances will dissolve depends on the soil pH. At one pH, some substances dissolve perfectly, while others dissolve more difficultly. They may not even dissolve at all! Or, on the contrary, dissolve too much and become harmful.
Soil acidity is a natural phenomenon. However, human activity is changing it. Long-term cultivated land gradually becomes acidic (except for very calcareous soils). Even rain, which has become more acidic due to our own activities (transport, industry), contributes to this process.
How to find out the pH of the soil?
Want to know for sure? It's best to have your soil tested in a lab. You should take samples from several areas of your garden. A simpler way is to use special pH measurement kits. They can be used right at home.
But there is another way! Nature itself gives you clues. Look at what weeds grow in your area.
Acidophiles (friends of acidic soil)
If you have an abundance of horsetail, pansies, small sorrel, ground goatweed, or pink sandwort, your soil is likely acidic (pH 3.5–6.5).
Alkaline soil lovers
If you notice soil slides, mustard, alfalfa, or poppies, these plants signal a more alkaline environment.
Signs of neutral soil
Early primroses, St. John's wort, or meadow clover indicate that the soil is likely neutral - a true golden mean for many plants.
So, get to know your soil. Understand its pH. It's a small step for you, but a big step towards a healthier, happier, more productive garden! Of course, don't forget about watering , it's one of the most important systems in a greenhouse.
