Know & Improve Your Soil

pH Levels
Soil Types
Identifying & Improving Your Soil Type

To gardening beginners, knowing what soil type your garden has and whether it's acid or alkaline can be baffling. But, if you want your garden to be a success, improving the soil and buying plants that will thrive in it, are a must. So, here's an easy to follow guide.

What's A pH Level?

A pH level is a measurement of whether your soil's acidic (or ericaceous), in which case it will have a pH level of between 1 and 7; neutral, with a pH of 7, or alkaline, with a pH between 7 or 14.

Why Is Its pH Level Important?

Most plants prefer a more or less neutral pH level, but some plants prefer acid soils, while others prefer neutral or alkaline. So, if, for example, you put an alkaline loving plant in an acid soil, they won't thrive and might well die.

How Can I Tell My Soil's pH Level?

You can buy soil testing kits at garden centres and DIY stores. Follow the instructions, and for best results, use soil from several holes dug around the garden.

Which Plants Prefer Acid Soil?

Acid (peaty) soil has few nutrients and tends to be dark in colour. It may have a tendency to be poorly drained. However, lime-hating plants, such as heather, rhododendron, camellia and witch hazel, love it.

How Can I Improve An Acid Soil?

The addition of lime over a period of a few weeks will help. It should then be worked through the soil before planting. Acid soils are often caused by poor drainage, so cultivation should help.

Which Plants Prefer Alkaline Soil?

Alkaline (chalky) soil is usually stone-filled and well-drained. Because of this, some nutrients aren't available to the plants. However, lime-loving plants enjoy alkaline soil. These include alpines, lilac, weigela, the Madonna lily, saxifrages and plants from the cabbage family.