How to test soil pH without testing kit?

  Measurement of soil pH is an important aspect in gardening as all plants do not prefer similar degree of acidity or alkalinity in soil. So, if you are planning to grow new plants in your garden it is essential to test the pH of soil first. Traditional method of testing soil is to send it in a laboratory but if you do not want to get into hassle we have a home method for testing soil pH of your garden in simple and easy steps.

• Material required

Garden digger, white vinegar, baking soda and two plastic containers.

   Steps-

• Collection of soil sample

With the help of garden digger collect some soil sample in a plastic container. This particular step though seems easy but require a bit of attention as collection of soil in a garden should be done from multiple places so as to get a clear idea of pH requirement of whole garden. For a pot one sample is sufficient.

• Test for acidity

Take some soil sample into a container, add 1/2 cup of water, and mix then, add 1/2 cup of baking soda if the soil bubbles or fizzes, the soil is acidic.  The bubbles formed in soil are a validation of soil’s acidic properties. Fruit plants like apple, peaches, citrus and some other grow well in acidic soil.

• Test for alkalinity

Take some soil in a container add ½ cup of water in soil and let it mix followed by addition of ½ cup of vinegar, again if there is a formation of bubbles in soil then it has an alkaline nature. Vegetable plants like cabbage, broccoli, pea along with flowering plants like lavender grow well in alkaline soil.

Remember to test your soil’s nature over a period of time also if you are amending your soil’s nature have some patience as it is a natural process. Happy gardening!!