Making soil more acidic.

Discussion in 'Gardening Other' started by looking, Jan 6, 2006.

  1. looking

    looking Seedling

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    Hi all,
    I have a number of potplants which seem to be doing OK. But my soil meter says the soil (potting mix) is a little too alkaline, particularly for the strawberries.
    What should I add to make it more acidic? At present the meter says it is just over 7, should be between 5.5 - 6.5.

    Thanks
    Craig
     
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  3. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    A peat substitute would do them Craig or a liquid feed from a good garden centre. :)
     
  4. i love bugs

    i love bugs The Weatherman of Craggy Island

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    making soil more acidic

    Hi looking , Your soil meter measures the p h of the soil ie the potential hydogen ions . 7 is too high for strawberries. Are you still going to grow the strawbs in pots? If so just buy an acidic mix in your local garden centre. Make your own ? possibly add sawdust or composted leaves or preferably peat moss ,its easy enough to make enough for pots. Your garden is a different matter , you can use iron sulphate, elemental sulphate, ground sulphate ( follow instructions on packets)
    its generally better to go down the organic route as mistakes are more easily rectified . Try mixing peat moss 60/40 with your soil , 8) Bugs
     
  5. Frank

    Frank GardenStew Founder Staff Member Administrator

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    Also Craig here is an article I wrote about pH in my blog Soil pH article :D
     
  6. looking

    looking Seedling

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    Thanks all,
    Will attend to all your suggestions.

    Cheers
    Craig
     

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