How to Test and Improve Soil pH for a Healthier Garden

A thriving garden starts with healthy soil, and one of the most important factors in soil health is pH. Soil pH affects nutrient availability, microbial activity, and plant growth. If your plants are struggling, the issue might not be sunlight or water—it could be your soil’s pH.

Testing and adjusting soil pH doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can create the ideal growing conditions for your plants. Here’s how to test and improve your soil pH with ease.

Why Soil pH Matters

Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline your soil is on a scale from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline), with 7 being neutral. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0), though some, like blueberries and azaleas, thrive in more acidic soil, while others, such as lavender, prefer alkaline conditions.

When pH is too high or too low, plants can’t absorb nutrients efficiently, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or poor yields. Testing your soil helps you make informed adjustments for happier, healthier plants.

How to Test Soil pH

1. Use a Home Test Kit

Simple and affordable, pH test kits are available at garden centers. They typically include test strips or a color-changing solution.

• Take soil samples from different areas of your garden (about 6 inches deep).
• Mix the samples with distilled water as instructed.
• Compare the color change to the provided chart to determine pH.

2. Try a Digital pH Meter

For quicker results, a digital pH meter can be inserted directly into moist soil. While convenient, these meters require calibration and occasional cleaning for accuracy.

3. Send a Sample to a Lab

For the most precise reading, send a soil sample to a local agricultural extension office or lab. They’ll provide a detailed report, including nutrient levels and pH.

How to Adjust Soil pH

Raising pH (Making Soil Less Acidic)

If your soil is too acidic (below 6.0), you can raise the pH by adding:

• Garden lime (calcium carbonate) – Apply in fall or early spring, mixing it into the top 6 inches of soil.
• Wood ash – A natural alternative, but use sparingly to avoid over-alkalizing.

Lowering pH (Making Soil More Acidic)

If your soil is too alkaline (above 7.5), lower the pH with:

• Elemental sulfur – Works slowly but effectively; apply several months before planting.
• Peat moss or compost – Mix into the soil to gradually increase acidity.
• Vinegar or coffee grounds – Short-term fixes, but not as reliable for large areas.

Maintaining Balanced Soil pH

• Retest annually – Soil pH can shift over time due to rainfall, fertilizers, and plant uptake.
• Use organic matter – Compost improves soil structure and buffers pH fluctuations.
• Choose pH-appropriate plants – If adjusting pH is difficult, opt for plants that naturally thrive in your soil’s current condition.

Final Thoughts

Balancing soil pH is a gentle, ongoing process rather than a one-time fix. By testing regularly and making gradual adjustments, you’ll create an environment where plants can flourish. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or shrubs, a little attention to soil pH can make a big difference in your garden’s success.

Take it step by step, observe how your plants respond, and enjoy the rewarding process of nurturing healthier soil—and a more vibrant garden.

Would you like recommendations for pH-specific plants for your garden? Let me know in the comments! 🌱