Soil Problems for a new gardener!

[hjc1305]

Hi
I am new to this forum so hopefully I have posted this in the right place! I am a new gardener and have several raised beds in my back garden. Last year my crop was a bit unsuccessful and I have since done a soil test and it has a very high ph (alkaline) of 8. I just wondered what was the easiest and quickest way to rectify this? I have three beds and I am hoping to grow onions, carrots, parsnips, climbing beans, and courgettes. I hope someone can offer me a bit of advice.
Many thanks
Heidi

[zazen999]

Hi. Welcome to the Vine.

Before you do anything crazy, have you double checked that result, like made sure it reads neutral in water, acid in lemon juice for example. Just in case the reading is out.

[oldie]

My soil ph was 8 when I started 3 years ago and I was advised that there was no need to do anything. Just get growing and put in as much strawy manure as you can and it will produce results. I'm not aware of any of my crops suffering in any way. The only thing I have to take care of is my blueberries, which are in large pots of acidic compost.

[Two_Sheds]

Last year my crop was a bit unsuccessful

It might be nowt to do with your pH ... what did you grow and what was wrong with it?