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If you are not happy with the health of your
plants or they do not seem to be flourishing then
maybe it is time to look at the condition of your
soil and take steps to improve it.
The key to improving your garden soil is to diagnose
its deficiencies; get the pH readings correct
by ammending the soil and you will reap the rewards
of a great harvest. If you visit your local garden
centre you can purchase a pH meter which will
easily identify what the current levels are of
your garden soil, they are quite cheap and easy
to use, no rocket science involved. You can also
contact your local state cooperative extension
service to have your soil tested. To get the best
informed readings of your garden soils health,
take readings from half a dozen different spots.
By looking at these readings and determining what
plants you want to grow you can decide what action
is needed to correct the condition of the soil.
Garden soil can be classed as acidic with a pH
range of 1-7, neutral with a pH of 7 or alkaline
with a pH of 7-14. Nutrients in the garden soil
are most readily available to plants at a neutral
range of around 6.0-7.0 so this is the reading
that you should try to achieve.
If the soil is too acidic then the plants cannot
utilize the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and
other nutrients they need. Toxic metals are more
available to plants in acidic soils and they will
be susceptible to poisoning from these substances.
In alkaline soils iron, manganese and phosphorous
are not as available to the plants.
If you have tested the soil and need to make it
less acidic then add lime, limestone, or wood
ash. If however you need to make it less alkaline
then add sulfur or naturally organic materials
such as conifer needles, sawdust or peat moss.
Take care with the amounts used to ensure you
change the conditions slowly, over a couple of
seasons.
While most plants really enjoy 6.0 to 7.0 (a slightly
acidic to neutral range) there are plants that
defy the norm, just to keep you on your toes,
so you can benefit from this knowledge and make
sure your efforts are rewarded with the great
crops only a healthy garden soil will give you.
The following list shows the optimum pH range
for some common trees and shrubs for them to thrive
and become good healthy plants. For details of
the soil requirements for plants that are not
listed you can contact me.
AppleTree 6.0-6.5, Blueberry 4.0-6.0, Cherry,sour
6.0-7.0, Chestnut 5.0-6.5, Fir, Douglas 5.0-6.0,
Hydrangea Blue Flowers 4.0-5.0, Hydrangea Pink
Flowers 6.0-7.0, Juniper 5.0-6.0, Lemon 6.0-7.5,
Pear 6.0-7.5, Plum 6.0-8.0,
Vegetables again will mostly thrive in the pH
range of 6.0- 7.0 however some have a wider tolerance.
Asparagus 6.0-8.0, Bean 6.0-7.5, Beet 6.0-7.5,
Brussel Sprouts 6.0-7.5, Cauliflower 5.5-7.5,
Celery 5.8-7.0, Cucumber 5.5-7.0, Garlic 5.5-8.0,
Potato 4.8-6.5, Pumpkin 5.5-7.5.
Flowers follow the same trend; you will have wonderful
results just by correcting the pH levels, rather
like adjusting your own diet so that your health
benefits.
Begonias 5.5-7.0, Black eyed Susan 5.5-7.0, Geraniums
6.0-8.0, Clematis 5.5-7.0, Daffodils 6.0-7.0,
Dahlias 6.0-7.5, Foxglove 6.0-7.5, Gladiolus 5.0-7.0,
Hibiscus 6.0-8.0, Hollyhock 6.0-8.0, Marigold
5.5-7.5, Rose 5.5-7.0.
If you wish to grow a lush green lawn the pH should
be 7.0 or above; if the pH falls lower than this
then fungal diseases may become a problem.
Any adjustments that need to be made to the soil
may not seem worthwhile, but believe me, they
are. You will achieve fantastic rewards for your
efforts, a great looking garden and an amazing
harvest.
About the Author:
Colin Price has been gardening for many years
with varying soils.
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