Soil care isn't just about water. Having the correct amount of nutrients in your soil makes plants healthier. When adding ammonium to soil, you are adding acidity, and when there is a lack of ammonium in the soil, the soil is considered alkaline. Both ends of this scale can be dangerous to your plants' health. Getting a good balance of nutrients requires measuring the soil's pH and adding the right nutrients to make the soil neutral.
Collect soil samples from several areas of your garden, making sure to collect a sample from every area where the dirt feels or looks different.
Place your soil samples into airtight containers, keeping each sample separate, and seal it using tape.
Send or take the samples to your local USDA County Extension Service. Services will be able to tell you the make up of your soil, as well as the pH level.
Lower the pH of your soil (if it is too high) by adding sphagnum peat to the soil according to the university recommendations. Consult your product's packaging for the correct application measures.
Add lime to soil that is acidic to raise the pH level if it is low, according to the recommendation of the sampling lab.