Importance of pH for acid loving garden plants

Is the soil pH level right for your plants?

Checking your soil’s pH may seem pointless to you, but it’s very important. Did you know that not all plants require the same soil pH level? In fact, most plants prefer a soil with a balanced pH. Berries, however, are different. They require a lower soil pH, to ensure better growth.

You’ll find a lot of relevant information about growing berries in the following articles: Why not grow berries in containers? and The best berries to grow in pots.

The pH level affects the soil’s ability to release nutrients – and the plants’ ability to absorb them. When the soil pH is off, the plants cannot absorb all the nutrients they need, even though they are present in the soil.

What is pH?

The pH (hydrogen potential) represents the soil’s acidity or alkalinity level on a scale of 0 to 14 (pH 7 = neutral). A pH level of below 7 is considered acidic, while a pH level higher than 7 is considered alkaline. To give you an idea, vinegar and cola have a pH level below 3 while baking soda and soap have a pH level above 8.

How to measure soil pH?

To correctly determine your soil’s pH, you can use a pH-metre or soil test kit. Some garden centers even offer the service – ask them!

The results of this test will allow you not only to determine the soil pH but also the nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium levels in your soil. This will help you understand what adjustments to make to correct the pH level of the soil and the fertilizer requirements of your garden.

Plants generally need a slightly acidic pH of between 6 and 7, but there are some exceptions!

How to increase or lower soil pH?

Once you know the pH of your soil, you can adjust it according to the needs of your plants.

To increase soil pH, which means making it less acidic, you have two options:

Add agricultural lime or dolomitic lime, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Add wood ash in a ratio of one kilo of ash per 10 square meters of soil.

To lower soil pH, which means making it less alkaline, you have two options:

Add aluminum sulfate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Add sphagnum peat moss.

We recommend that you test your soil pH every year, so that you can adjust it over time and see if the actions you’ve taken have been successful.

Plants preferring acidic soil

Many plants prefer acidic soil (pH 5.5 – 6.0). These include serviceberry, chokeberry, blue beech, white and red oak, sweetfern, alternate-leaved dogwood, false cypress, spruce, fern, strawberry, raspberry, witch-hazel, holly, yew, magnolia, larch, hemlock, and fir.

Fafard’s Acid loving plant and berry soil mix is specially designed for these plants. Apply it by mixing it in equal parts with the existing soil.

Plants preferring highly acidic soil

Some plants prefer highly acidic soil (pH 4.0 – 5.4) including bog rosemary, azalea, blueberry, heather, sweet pepperbush, hydrangea, laurel, rhododendron, bearberry, and wintergreen.

In that case, Fafard’s Acid loving plant and berry soil mix is used exclusively. There’s no need to mix it with the existing soil.

To ensure your project is successful, regularly use Natural fertilizer for acid loving plants and berries to keep the soil pH at the right level.

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How to test soil pH and adjust it to suit the needs of your plants