Q&A for How to Test Soil pH

Certainly, you can use pH strips to test soil. The second method above explains the process for using them: How to Use Paper Test Strips .

The pH of soil is worked out by measuring the hydrogen ion activity in a liquid solution. Soil pH can be measured in several ways, depending on what is available to you. Typical ways to measure soil pH are: Using a commercial test probe or glass electrode, or a colorimetric test kit, or by using test paper strips. The methodology for measuring is explained in the steps above.

To use pH test strips for testing soil, see the full instructions in this wikiHow: How to Use Paper Test Strips .

Lavender does well in soil that has a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. However, it’s important to read the planting instructions relevant to the variety of lavender you’re planting, as each variety has different needs. For more help on growing lavender, see the wikiHow How to Grow Lavender .

You can also use cabbage water to get a rough reading of your soil's pH. Cut up one cup of red cabbage. Measure out 2 cups of distilled water into a saucepan, add the red cabbage and simmer it for five minutes. After that, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit for 30 minutes. Strain away the resulting purple-blue liquid (cabbage water); its pH will be 7. Add 2 teaspoons of the soil you want to test to a jar, then add a few inches of cabbage water before stirring the mix and waiting for 30 minutes. If the sample turns pink, the soil is acidic (has a lower pH); if it turns bluish-green, the soil is basic/alkaline.

By altering the amount of acids or bases in the soil. if you don't want to make it too acidic, then look out for organic matter and animal droppings.

You don't use the baking soda to make the solution. The cabbage water is the solution. Putting in the baking soda is just testing to see if it works.

pH is the negative log of the H+ ion concentration in water. Water ionizes slightly to form H+ and OH- ions. Their concentrations are in equilibrium, so that the product of their concentrations always gives the value of 10 to the power negative 14.

Azaleas love acidic soil and partial shade. Pine trees can be the perfect companion for azaleas. The flowers benefit from the shade, and after the pine needles fall, they begin to decay and release acids into the soil.

De-ionized water is not the same as distilled but will serve the same purpose for household use.

If soil with distilled water and base gave you acid, then the soil must have been acidic to begin with, and the soil's total amount of acid must have been greater than the amount of base you added.

A pH of 4 means it is acidic. To raise the pH, add lime or dolomite to the soil.

Use the soil-and-distilled-water "milkshake" method shown above, and your pool tester will work fine.

Yes. The pH level will directly affect every plant's nutrient uptake. If the pH is too high or low, your plants won't be able to get the nutrients they need.

6.8 is a good reading for almost any plant. Some plants, like blueberries, require more acidic soil.

They are important for aeration, moisture absorption, and leaving behind organic material for plants and grasses to feed on.

A pH meter is very convenient.

Yes. It will affect the acidity and the pH of the soil.