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What is Soil pH and why is it so Important?

Extension Agent Celeste Scott, talks about pH basics. pH stands for potential hydrogen. pH runs in a scale of 0 to 14. It is an exponential scale so each number on the scale is 10x the previous number.
Soils naturally have a certain pH which may or may not be the best range for your chosen plants to grow. Often home building or frequent fertilizing over a longer period of time will change the soil pH. The right pH is necessary to get the maximum growth from your plants. Because of this it is important to get a sample of your soil tested.
Lime (usually pelletized limestone) or sulphur can be applied to raise or lower the pH, but it takes time for the change to occur. Because of this fact,  testing and applying in the fall allows the lime or sulphur to begin to change the pH by the time spring comes. After changing the pH of soil it will tend to slowly return to its natural state so additional lime or sulphur will be needed occasionally.

Related Videos:
Changing Garden Soil pH
Taking a Soil Sample
Soil Preparation

Related Resources:
Soil pH Modification
​Lawn Insects and How to Control Them
Understanding Soil pH
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search