4 Things to Know About Testing Soil pH

Don’t guess soil pH by looking at weeds Moss means shade and damp, not acidity. Clover means thin grass, not alkaline soil. These old tricks are folklore, not science.

Test with a cheap kit or extension office Grab a soil test kit from the garden center with a tube and color chart. Or send a sample to your county extension office for about $10.

Adjust acidic soil with pulverized lime If pH is below 6.0, add pulverized lime. It takes months to work, so go slow and add more next season if needed.

Lower alkaline soil with sulfur or pine needles If pH is above 7.5, use elemental sulfur or pine needles. Both work slowly, so be patient and avoid overcorrecting.