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ettaterrell

Ph levels high, PLEASE help... newbie

ettaterrell
10 years ago

I purchased 2 different types of soil testers, one with prongs you stick in soil the other you mix with powder and shake up with water. Both are saying my soil is between 7 and 8. I purchased the soil at garden center, they called it garden mix so it's mixed with compost and other things to make it good for gardening in my raised beds. I'm scared these ph levels will burn my plants what do I need to do to lower it before I start planting in 2 weeks? Thanks so much for your time!!

Comments (3)

  • darth_weeder
    10 years ago

    I wouldn't worry too much since you're not too alkaline. Depending on what you want to grow having a pH between 7-8 might be fine.
    So what do you want to grow?

  • ericwi
    10 years ago

    Our native soil here in Madison has pH = 7.6, & we grow tomatoes, swiss chard, broccoli, green beans, squash, peppers, radishes, and kale.

  • Kimmsr
    10 years ago

    I would contact my state universities Cooperative Extension Service and inquire about having a good reliable soil test done. Those cheap pH testers, I have found, are not very reliable. even when all of the proper steps are followed.
    Most plants prefer growing in a soil pH of 6.2 to 6.8 and while 7.2 is not too far out of range close to 8.0 is and could adversely affect plant growth.

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