What is Soil pH and why is it so Important? – Family Plot

Soil pH makes all the difference in the garden. Get it wrong and your plants will not do well. UT Extension Agent, Celeste Scott, talks about pH basics. pH stands for potential hydrogen. pH runs in a scale of 0 to 14. It is an exponential scale so each number on the scale is 10x the previous number.
Soils naturally have a certain pH which may or may not be the best range for your chosen plants to grow. Often home building or frequent fertilizing over a longer period of time will change the soil pH. The right pH is necessary to get the maximum growth from your plants. Because of this it is important to get a sample of your soil tested.
Lime (usually pelletized limestone) or sulphur can be applied to raise or lower pH, but it takes time for the change to occur. Because of this, testing and applying in the fall allows the lime or sulphur to begin to change the pH by the time spring comes. After changing the pH of soil it will tend to slowly return to its natural state so additional lime or sulphur will be needed occasionally.

For more on keeping your soil pH balanced check out these videos:

Taking a Soil Sample:    • Taking a Soil Sample - This Week In t...  
Is this a good time to get your soil tested:    • Q&A - Is this a good time to get your...  
Soil Preparation:    • Soil Preparation - Family Plot  


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