Attempted home made ericaceous compost

[Sheepish]

Last year I built up a separate small compost heap in an old bin putting acidic stuff into it such as rhubarb leaves and citrus peel. I took it for granted that it would stay acidic as it decomposed and be good for my blueberries. To my surprise, sticking a ph tester into it today it turned out to be only a little less alkaline than the standard heap.

Did I do something wrong somewhere, or is this normal? Or is my cheap Wilko monitor giving duff data (I did clean the probes before use.)?

[zazen999]

Have you tested it on tap water? And lemon juice just to make sure?

[Sheepish]

Now why didn't I think of that!!
I've been away for a few days, I'll try that tomorrow.
Thanks

[Lovage]

Not sure but it could be that the Oxalic acid in rhubarb leaves and the Citric acid in citrus peel break down in the composting process.
Bracken produces a slightly acidic compost as does bark from conifers

[snohare]

Try conifer needles, I hear they stay acidic.

[Two_Sheds]

an earlier thread here: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...mpost_519.html