Marianne's Response

Soil 7.8 pH

We recently sent some commercial potting soil sample in to the lab. It came back with a 7.8 pH. What do you suggest we do? I have read to use sulfur-but then it would be 1 year before we should plant. I have also read that by adding nitrogen when watering that it will help lower the pH. One of our issues is funding, as 3.5 yards potting soil was donated to us. We are a community Senior center’s community garden (nonprofit), so going out and getting more soil is not an option. The soil we got is from a long established garden supplier who supplies big top stores such as Lowes, HomeDepot, so we thought it would more of reliable product.
Thank you.

Posted by Sherida Phibbs on June 3, 2018

Marianne's Response

I suggest you use the soil that was donated as it is very close to a neutral pH and just add a layer of compost about one inch deep and mix this is into your soil. I would not try growing acid loving plants such as blueberries or azaleas but many crops and flowers will grow just fine. Use a slow release plant food like Osmocote to help ensure that more nutrients will be available in your slightly alkaline soil. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

    Search the Ask the Gardening Expert library

    Looking for a quick resolution to your problem? Marianne has answered thousands of gardening questions. One may be similar to yours. Try searching our library to get the answer you need — fast!

    My Topics

    View questions you submitted to Marianne in the past

    VIEW MY QUESTIONS