How to check soil acidity?
I'm a keen gardener, and my plants aren't growing as well as they should. My neighbour suggested the soil might be too acidic. How can I check the acidity of my garden soil at home?
5 answers
5 months ago
Most liked
I used a cheap pH meter that I bought online for my home garden. You just stick the metal probe into wet soil and it tells you the pH level instantly. Vinegar and baking soda also work for a quick DIY test.
5 months ago
The easiest way is using a little soil in two cups. Add vinegar to one; if it fizzes, it is alkaline. Add baking soda and water to the other; if it fizzes, it is acidic. It is a very simple and free way to check at home.
5 months ago
You can buy litimus paper strips from a local chemist shop. Mix a spoonful of your soil with distilled water, dip the paper in it, and check the color change against the pH chart. It is very reliable and inexpensive.
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Consult a gastroenterologist
yrs exp
5 months ago
While my plants are thriving, I am barely surviving on 5 hours of sleep! Anyway, just get a pH testing kit from a nursery. It takes like two minutes and you don't have to play scientist with vinegar in your kitchen.
5 months ago
Make sure you wear gloves while handling soil just to be safe from any microbes. Using litmus paper with distilled water is a very clean and safe method to check the acidity without making a big mess.