diy ph tester

[bridget mc laughlin]

Hi all you grapes,does any of you know the diy mothod for ph testing

[Snadger]

The last time I used a ph tester I just took random soil samples from around my plot, mixed them together, dried them then added dried sample to fill level on test tube. I then added the kit's solution to required level on test tube, shook it up and waited for it to settle. Once it settles a colour chart is used beside the test tube to gauge what the Ph is.

An easier method is to see what grows well in the immediate area, i.e. brassicas thriving usually indicate an alkaline soil, tatties thriving without any scab usually indicates an acid soil. Heavy weed growth is usually indicative of alkaline soil but certain weeds including plantains thrive on acid soils.

Crop rotation including liming the areas for brassicas each year can lead to a balanced soil over a period of time

I find an average of 6.5 Ph (slightly acid) suits most crops I grow and luckily that is what mine is!

[jasyk34]

Hi all you grapes,does any of you know the diy mothod for ph testing

Just new to the forum Bridget, but I posted a similar question on one of the other boards. You might be interested in some of the replies ?

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ter_12587.html

[nick the grief]

A quick look around your plot can give you an idea Bridget. Docks are usually in Acid soils so thats a bit of a clue.

Have a look on our website (see below) at the beginners page and the further info page .... yet another shameless plug for the HAGS site

[newshootsinsunlight]

Indication of ph as other posters have said, will be the types of plants you have growing......soils get more acidic with time....say after muck has decomposed.....

[bluemoon]

Boil up some red cabbage leaves, strain then keep the water which should be reddish in colour. Add a teaspoonfull of soil to the water and shake, then let the soil settle. If the water stays red - or gets redder, then it's acid, if it goes blue then it's alkaline. Not tremendously accurate, but fun and kids like it. It's just a version of the old litmus paper you used in school

If the drained water is blueish to begin with then it's probably because your water supply is alkaline - it doesn't matter, the test will still work.