How to check the soil pH

Dig a small hole in the soil. Use a trowel or shovel to create a hole about 5 to 10 cm deep. Loosen the soil in the hole and remove any branches or debris present.

Fill the hole with water. Use distilled water (not spring water). You can find distilled water in chemical supply stores. Rainwater contains a bit of acid, and bottled or tap water usually has some alkalinity. Fill the hole with water until it pools and forms mud at the bottom.

Insert the testing device into the mud. Make sure your device is clean and calibrated (for more accurate results). Wipe the probe with a cloth or clean towel and then insert it into the mud.

Hold it for 60 seconds, then read the result. pH is typically measured on a scale from 1 to 14, though your device may not display the full range.

• A pH of 7 is neutral soil.
• A pH above 7 indicates alkaline soil.
• A pH below 7 indicates acidic soil.

Test at multiple spots in the garden. A single result may be misleading, so it's best to calculate the average pH of your entire garden. If the results are consistent across the area, average them and use that value to amend the soil. If there's a significant difference at one location, you may need to treat that spot separately.

Buy pH test strips. pH test strips, also known as litmus paper or color indicator paper, provide a quick and easy way to measure the pH of soil. You can purchase them online or at garden supply stores.

Mix a handful of soil with distilled water at room temperature. Take a sample of soil for testing and place it in a bowl. Then, pour distilled water into the bowl until the soil forms a thick, slurry-like consistency. You can stir the mixture to ensure the soil and water are fully blended.

Dip the test strip into the mixture for 20 to 30 seconds. Hold one end of the strip and dip the other end into the soil mixture for about 20 to 30 seconds. The waiting time may vary, so refer to the instructions on the specific test strips you purchased to determine the correct waiting time. Once the waiting period is over, remove the strip and rinse it quickly with distilled water to remove any soil residue.

Compare the test strip color with the result chart. Use the result chart included with your test strip kit to determine the pH of the soil. Typically, the results are color-coded. Compare the strip's color to the chart and select the closest match. This color will indicate the soil's pH level.

Reduce soil acidity. If the soil pH is below 7, add a cup of limestone or agricultural lime to the soil. Mix well, then use a tool to test again. This method gradually changes the soil's pH. Wood ash, in moderate amounts, is also effective. Both of these materials are available at garden supply stores.

• Follow the recommendations in your pH test kit to determine how much material is needed to reach the desired pH. If a significant pH adjustment is needed, consult a gardening expert who can help optimize the soil for your plants.

Reduce soil alkalinity. If the soil pH is above 7, add a cup of organic materials such as pine needles, peat moss, or well-composted leaves. After mixing, retest the soil to check the new pH. Add another cup of organic material and retest until the desired pH is achieved. Sulfur is also very effective.

• Follow the instructions in your pH test kit to determine how much material to add to reach the desired pH. For significant adjustments, consult a gardening and landscaping expert. They can help you adjust the soil more effectively with on-site evaluation.

Adjust soil pH for specific plants. For example, add sulfur in certain spots to help hydrangeas bloom with beautiful blue flowers, as these plants prefer acidic soil. The pH of the soil doesn’t have to be the same everywhere in the garden; you can adjust it according to the needs of different plants. Refer to gardening farms or reliable sources to find the optimal pH for specific plants. Some varieties require alkaline soil, while others thrive in acidic soil.

• Record your results. You may need these results in the future as soil pH can change over time.
• Prevent contamination (which leads to inaccurate results) by ensuring that your pH testing tools and shovel are clean. Avoid direct contact with soil using your hands.
• For each test, read the results from several locations. At least six soil samples from different garden areas are sufficient.
• Some test kits estimate pH based on color rather than numbers. In such cases, green usually indicates neutral soil; yellow or orange represents acidic soil; and dark green suggests alkaline soil.
• Contact agricultural agencies or gardening services for more information on soil testing or for professional guidance in this field.
• Ensure that the testing equipment is properly calibrated before testing for more accurate results.
• Soil pH reflects the availability of nutrients in the soil for plants. The optimal pH range is usually between 5.5 and 7.

• As mentioned earlier, the type of water used to moisten the soil can affect the test results if the pH of the water is not balanced. Use distilled water for this purpose.
• Some testing kits may function differently than described here. Always carefully read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure accurate results.

• pH testing kit
• pH test strips
• Small garden shovel (often called a 'trowel' or 'digging spade')
• Water with a neutral pH of 7 or distilled water
• Cups or bowls