You can find out if your soil is acidic by using a PH testing kit, if the PH is less than 7 (neutral), the soil is acidic. Another indication of soil acidity are the types of weeds growing in the area, bittercress, creeping buttercup, daisies, docks and thistle all thrive on an acidic soil, sandy soils are very often acidic.
A PH 7.0 is considered neutral
An acid soil has a pH value below 7.0
Above pH 7.0 the soil is alkaline.
The acidity of your soil will determine which plants survive, since there are many lime hating plants (ericaceous plants) that will not tolerate high PH levels. For example, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Heathers, Kalmias and Pieris all requite acidic soil with a PH below 7 between 4 - 6 is recommended.
Provided that the soil is not excessively acidic,( a PH of 6 or less is deemed to be very acidic) a vast range of plants are likely to survive, unless they require positively alkaline conditions if the soil is very acidic it may fail to support even acid loving plants like Azaleas, in this case careful liming can moderate the acidity of a soil.
Acid loving ericaceous plants can be container grown provided an ericaceous compost is used rather than a regular multi-purpose one. Annual feeding with slow release fertilisers will maintain the plants health whilst correct applications of sequestered / chelated iron will maintain soil acidity and stave off the effects of chlorosis the yellowing of leaves, often seen with skimmia and camellia plants.
PH Values
PH 3.0 - 5.0 very acidic
PH 5.1 - 6 Acidic
PH 6.1 - 7 Moderately acidic
PH 7.1 - 8 Alkaline (7 being neutral)
If you are in doubt about your gardens PH levels particularly if you want to grow vegetables, Garden Doctor can provided soil analysis and advice regarding the best plants to grow in your garden
