How do I make acidic soil alkaline?
AmendmentsTest the pH of your soil, remembering to get a wide sampling. The top several inches of soil could have a different pH than soil further down. Heavily fertilized areas will have high acidity (a pH below 7.0). Add dolomite lime to the soil to slowly raise the pH. Raising the pH slowly will prevent plant shock. How much lime you add will depend on current pH, the pH needs of the plants, soil permeability and whether you are also adding acidifying fertilizers. Check with your garden center for application rate recommendations.TipsAvoid adding acidifiers such as coffee grounds and ammonium-based fertilizers to your soil if it is already acidic. Soils below a pH of 5.5 release toxic amounts of manganese and iron into plants. If your water source is acidic, you might have to re-treat your soil from time to time.
