Why Your Garden’s Soil pH Levels Matter

Have you ever heard that your soil’s pH levels need to be a certain amount?

Do you wonder what pH is and why it even matters?

While one look at the two letters “pH” may bring you back to high school chemistry class, before the sweat breaks out on your forehead, we will break down the meaning, why it’s important and how to test your soil’s pH levels with ease.

The Meaning of pH

In chemistry, pH basically is a way to measure how alkaline or acid or acid a substance is. In soil, we refer to “soil pH” when describing the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Different plants prefer different amounts of acidity.

In our article, 4 Ways to Reuse Coffee Grounds to Improve Your Garden, we write about acid loving plants like hydrangeas and roses that thrive on higher pH levels in the soil.

Quick Tip: Yes, you can increase the pH levels in your soil organically by adding used coffee grounds.

The Importance of pH Levels

The main reason why we care about pH levels in the soil is because it affects the plants ability to soak in the nutrients from the soil.

If the soil is too acidic, meaning that the pH levels are higher than 7.5, according to Organic Gardening, the plants won’t be able to soak up the iron, manganese or phosphorus.

If the soil isn’t acidy enough, meaning the pH levels are low or below 6.0, the plants will struggle to soak in nutrients likes nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Your soil is considered at a neutral state when the pH levels are anywhere from 6.0 to 7.0. This is the area that most of the plants will fall into anyway.

How to Test Your Garden’s Soil pH Levels

You can send your soil to a lab to have it tested, or you can just buy a take home test at your local nursery. Follow the directions to determine what your soil’s pH levels are.

While you can add coffee grounds to increase the acidity or pH level of the soil, this really only benefits acid loving plants.

One easy way to bring the soil back to neutral is by adding compost to your soil. You can also spread liming or acid materials in your garden. Make sure to wear protective gloves if you go that route.

Summary

Now you know what pH levels are, why they are important, how to test them and a few tips on fixing them.

If you have a gardening question, please let us know in the comment section. We would love to help answer any gardening question you have.