Using a Soil pH Test Kit

This is a question I am often asked and my answer is always the same - 'Yes, most definitely!'

There are a number of pH test kits on the market but I particularly like the tried and tested Luster Leaf 1612 Rapitest pH Soil Tester which is inexpensive and very simple to use.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Important points:
You will need to take a number of samples from different areas of your garden as pH can vary even within a single bed.

Make sure you use a clean trowel and container for collecting the samples and use deionized or bottled water for mixing as your tap water may be soft (acidic) or hard (alkaline) and could affect the results.

1. Use a clean trowel to dig down to a depth of about 3 to 4 inches.
2. Remove a teaspoonful of soil from the bottom of the hole and place it in a clean container.
3. Repeat this process in different areas adding the samples to your container.
4. When you have finished, pick all the stones, twigs and other large particles out of the soil you have collected, and mix it thoroughly taking care to break up any lumps.
5. Dry the soil on a radiator.
6. Take a small sample and mix it with the powder in the test tube.
7. Add deionized water, put the stopper in the test tube and shake the contents.
8. Allow the particles to settle for a short time.
9. Use the colour chart supplied with the kit to match the colour of the liquid in the test tube. This will give you the pH level of your soil sample. Usually yellow or orange indicates acid soil, bright green is neutral, and dark green indicates alkaline soil.

And that's it - you're finished. It really is as simple as that!

More Information...

Once you know the pH value of your soil you can use this information at the garden centre or nursery to choose the right plants; most plants are labelled with information about soil pH and soil type.

For more information about soil you can get an overview of the subject, together with links to other soil-related pages at healthy garden soil.