How to Test Soil pH to get a Greener Lawn and Beautiful Garden
If you are fed up with having a lawn that is less than perfect and wonder how to make your grass greener and your garden more beautiful, a pH tester could be the ideal solution. Knowing the best way to test soil pH can guarantee your soil has the perfect acid/alkaline ratio for healthier growth and an all-around better appearance.
What Is pH?
A pH level is the measurement of acidity in your soil. A high pH indicates there is alkaline in the soil, while a lower pH level indicates your soil is acidic. The pH level of your soil will depend on several factors, including its topography, its history, as well as other factors. However, knowing whether your garden is acidic or alkaline means you can use the right products to combat the problem and greatly improve your lawn’s appearance.
Why Test for A Soil’s pH?
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with all numbers over 7 being acidic and all numbers under 7 being alkaline. The average garden will have a pH in its soil of around 5.5 to 10. This is a lot of variabilities, however. If you are growing plants that do not thrive well in your soil’s acidity level, you will never have successful growth or perfect grass. Plants are unable to absorb the nutrients they need if they are being grown in soil that has the wrong pH level for them. Therefore, testing the pH of the soil will give you a clue as to why your lawn doesn’t look as good as it should.
Which Soil pH Test Method to Use?
Testing the pH of your garden’s soil isn’t difficult, but, there are many ways to do it. Some of the most popular ways include using testing strips, a pH meter, or a universal indicator. Here is a quick guide on how to test using the different methods.
How to Test Soil pH with Strips
If you want to know how to test soil pH with litmus paper strips, the process is very simple. The litmus paper test strips give a complete reading, ranging from 1 to 14. All you need to do is mix a little soil with some distilled water. When it has the same consistency as a milkshake, dip one of the litmus strips into the mix and hold it there for 30 seconds. Dip the strip into some distilled water to clean the mud off. Compare the strip’s color with the color code that comes with the strips and it will tell you whether your soil is alkaline or acidic.
How to Test With pH Meter
If you have a pH meter, you can test the acidity or alkalinity of the soil by collecting a soil sample, placing it in a container that is clean and made from plastic, and then adding distilled water in equal amounts. Shake the mix of water and soil vigorously and then allow it to rest for five minutes. Switch the pH meter on and take off its cap. Make sure the sensor has been completely exposed to the solution and then take a record of the meter reading.
How to Test Soil pH with a Universal Indicator
Another way to determine the soil’s pH is to use a universal indicator. You can do this by putting a little soil into a white or clear container. Avoid touching the sample and pour a little universal indicator onto the soil. Check the indicator’s color against the color chart to see whether the soil is acidic or alkaline.
A professional company, such as All American Environmental, can carry out professional soil testing to help determine many soil issues you may be worried about. Contact All American Environmental today and find out how we can help
We provide soil testing to the NJ counties of Morris, Bergen, Passaic, Somerset, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Union, Warren, Sussex, Ocean, and Monmouth.
