Testing Your Soil for Healthier Crops Jun 27, 2011 Read more
about tips and tricks on how to test your soil for healthier
crops. Does your garden need a little help compared to your
neighbor’s bountiful yard? The answer might be right under your
feet: the pH of your soil. Few people realize that the pH of the
soil affects plant growth. To help, we recommend visiting your
local garden center. Most carry inexpensive kits for testing the
pH of your soil. What’s pH, you ask? Simple: it’s the degree of
acidity. A pH reading of 7 is considered to be neutral; below 7
means your soil is acidic and above 7 means it’s alkaline. Most
plants thrive in a soil pH of around 6 to 7.5, but some are more
sensitive than others. For example, lettuce barely grows once
the pH is over 7, while tomatoes are significantly more
adaptable, growing in a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Make sure to
test each bed separately, as conditions can vary significantly,
even within a single garden. You’ll also want to test your water
since many deep well