How Do You Test A Soils PH?
The pH of a soil affects how well different plants will grow in it. For example, watermelons can grow in soils with pH levels as low as 5.0, while beets need a pH of above 6.0 to flourish. The pH scale is from 0 to 14, with lower numbers being more acidic, higher numbers being more basic and seven being neutral. According to the University of Rhode Island, the best time to test the pH of your soil is toward the end of October or the start of November, but you can test your soil at any time. Collect soil samples from your garden. The number of samples and depth of samples depends on what you are growing. For lawns, take about 10 samples 3 to 4 inches deep. For plants, the number of samples is the same but the depth is between 6 and 8 inches. For trees and shrubs, you need 3 or 4 samples of the top foot of soil. Mix the soil samples together in a clean bucket. Collect a 1-cup sample from the mixed soil and allow the soil sample air dry. Mix the reactive compound with the specified amount
