Soil PH

[Tarragon2017]

Hi there , as previously stated I am trying to take gardening more seriously , should or do I need a Soil Ph testing kit i assume most soils should be netural to slightly alkaline , if your growing herbs and veg.

[Cadalot]

I bought one of those testing kits when I first got my allotment in 2013, it's still in the package in the shed, I never have got around to giving it a bash. Things grow and the weeds love the soil so there can't be too much wrong with it

[Greenleaves]

With Cads on this one, i have used the kits and always get the same reading....that said I always add a little lime when planting brassicas, no science behind it, just what my granddad did

[Jimmy]

Yes I got kit with a colour chart. So you have to compare colours to mud.
Perhaps a litmus paper test kit might be better.
Jimmy

[Snadger]

With Cads on this one, i have used the kits and always get the same reading....that said I always add a little lime when planting brassicas, no science behind it, just what my granddad did

Me too!..........

[Jay-ell]

Not bothered with testing my pH - just stick things in and see what happens.

[veggiechicken]

I bought one of those testing kits when I first got my allotment in 2013, it's still in the package in the shed, I never have got around to giving it a bash. Things grow and the weeds love the soil so there can't be too much wrong with it

Mine's been unopened much longer than yours Cad - probably 20 years or so
I have 3 (don't ask!) of those pronged soil testers too. They all give different readings in side by side tests! Useless junk
I feel a declutter coming on..................

[Guest]

I have a probe (probably should have phrased that better ) Only bought as I am useless at growing brassicas but the probe was rubbish can't remember why.

I think the more important test is soil type. Take some soil from below the surface. Stick it in a jar with water and leave it to settle. The largest layer is your type of soil. Can't remember what order the particles fall in though. Will add a link after a quick gurgle. http://preparednessmama.com/jar-soil-test/

[vixylix]

My soil's definitely acidic - I'm not bothering with a pH kit - I'm adding mushroom compost, will add a bit of lime with the brassicas and just hope for the best. I've cut down some cracking shrubs, which seem to have had no issues at all!

[rary]

Mine's been unopened much longer than yours Cad - probably 20 years or so
I have 3 (don't ask!) of those pronged soil testers too. They all give different readings in side by side tests!

What reading did you go with?, the reading you wanted to have

[Jay-ell]

Those probe things rely on the fact that there's two different metals and the acid makes them into a battery. You have to keep sanding off the oxide that builds up for them to work.

I found them far more useful for skewering slugs than anything else.

[veggiechicken]

What reading did you go with?, the reading you wanted to have

I ignored them all, rary! I'm good at that

[Tarragon2017]

Best Natural Root Stimulant

Canna Rhizotonic or j arthur bower organic rooting?

[Russel Sprout]

I've read that pH is important for onions as well brassicas.... I've also got one of those probe testers but I've had it donkey's years and I'm not sure if they have a shelf life as such. Anyhow, I tried it the other day before planting my onion sets and got no reading at all. Nor did the needle move when I stuck it in bottle of white vinegar!

Do people here who grow onions lime before planting them or just plonk them in and hope for the best? If the latter, have you ever had problems that you think might have been caused by the soil being too acidic? Or are brassicas more fussy than onions when it comes to pH?

[It never rains..it pours]

Brought a digital tester c/w calibration buffer from ebay for about £8. As growing asparagus need 7 and blueberry need 5 , thought it worthwhile. Use hydrated builders lime (fast acting and strong but can't add much at a time) on asparagus and sulphur on blueberry