Plant Care
Testing Your Soil
When it comes to testing the pH level of your soil there's no need to be baffled by science - let Sven take you through the process in language you'll understand. It's so simple, and could make a big difference to how your plants grow.
Hi Sven
I often see mention of the 'pH value' of soil. What is this and how do I find out about the soil in my garden? Does it make a great difference to what you should plant in your garden and how it grows?
Regards
Paul
Our Gardens Expert replies:
Hi Paul
That's a very good question. The pH level in soil is probably the most important factor in deciding what is suitable to plant in any given garden. pH actually stands for 'potential hydrogen ions' and the pH level directly affects which nutrients are available to the plant.
The pH scale goes from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (alkaline) with neutral being 7. Most garden soils range from around 4.0 - 8.5 with the majority of plants preferring a pH of 6.5 - 7, because this is when most nutrients are available. I know this sounds confusing but it's not that big a deal. When you know your soil, you can then choose the appropriate plants. Easy!
To find out your soils pH level is pretty straightforward and you can buy a couple of different type of kits in any DIY store. Firstly, there is the probe variety. These have a metal probe which you stick into damp soil to get a reading. I really don't rate these though as they're not that accurate.
The best pH testers are the chemical kits and they work as follows:
1. You get a test tube with either some powder or a liquid. Take some soil from one spot in the garden from about 10cm under the surface, crumble it into the test tube with the chemical and some de-ionised water and shake.
2. It will turn yellow or orange (usually indicates acid soil), bright green (usually neutral) or dark green (usually alkaline)
3. Compare the colour to the chart supplied with the kit and this will give you the pH level.
It's best to check soil from three or four areas in the garden to get an average, or you can mix three samples together in the tube for a general pH level.
On a large scale, it's impossible to change your soil type permanently with the addition of soil improvers, lime or ericaceous composts. My best advice is to plant appropriate plants for your soil pH. So unfortunately, you're unlikely to grow prize Rhododendrons if you're on the chalky soils near Basingstoke! You can however build small raised beds and fill with the appropriate compost for a particular plant, or of course use pots.
Best of luck,
Sven
I often see mention of the 'pH value' of soil. What is this and how do I find out about the soil in my garden? Does it make a great difference to what you should plant in your garden and how it grows?
Regards
Paul
Our Gardens Expert replies:
Hi Paul
That's a very good question. The pH level in soil is probably the most important factor in deciding what is suitable to plant in any given garden. pH actually stands for 'potential hydrogen ions' and the pH level directly affects which nutrients are available to the plant.
The pH scale goes from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (alkaline) with neutral being 7. Most garden soils range from around 4.0 - 8.5 with the majority of plants preferring a pH of 6.5 - 7, because this is when most nutrients are available. I know this sounds confusing but it's not that big a deal. When you know your soil, you can then choose the appropriate plants. Easy!
To find out your soils pH level is pretty straightforward and you can buy a couple of different type of kits in any DIY store. Firstly, there is the probe variety. These have a metal probe which you stick into damp soil to get a reading. I really don't rate these though as they're not that accurate.
The best pH testers are the chemical kits and they work as follows:
1. You get a test tube with either some powder or a liquid. Take some soil from one spot in the garden from about 10cm under the surface, crumble it into the test tube with the chemical and some de-ionised water and shake.
2. It will turn yellow or orange (usually indicates acid soil), bright green (usually neutral) or dark green (usually alkaline)
3. Compare the colour to the chart supplied with the kit and this will give you the pH level.
It's best to check soil from three or four areas in the garden to get an average, or you can mix three samples together in the tube for a general pH level.
On a large scale, it's impossible to change your soil type permanently with the addition of soil improvers, lime or ericaceous composts. My best advice is to plant appropriate plants for your soil pH. So unfortunately, you're unlikely to grow prize Rhododendrons if you're on the chalky soils near Basingstoke! You can however build small raised beds and fill with the appropriate compost for a particular plant, or of course use pots.
Best of luck,
Sven
Our Programmes
In UKTV Gardens
Ask The Expert
| Celebrities
| Competitions
| Design Inspiration
| Design Your Garden
| Gardening Guides
| Grow Your Own
| Design Your Own
| Gardens News
| Lawns
| Message Boards
| Organic and Wildlife
| Paving and Decking
| Planting Up
| Plant Finder
| Plant of the Month
| Programmes
| Stockist Directory
| Sven’s Diary
| Water Features
