[Donnay]

Hi

Can anyone give me some advice please. I have tested my soil today due to recently taking over my first allotment. The soil is 7.5ph, it's says it's alkaline.

Do I need to lower the ph? If so can anyone recommend what to use please.

[gobs]

If memory serves well, that's more or less borderline, managable some crops will need liming though.

[Donnay]

Won't adding lime make it more alkaline?

[Fisherman]

I think on average 6.5ph is ideal but at 7.5ph most plants will grow. Adding peat and or compost and manure will lower the ph level and if in sufficient quantities by about 1ph. Other than that adding sulphur will lower the ph level but I have no idea what quantity would need to be applied. I would stick to using peat, compost and manure.

Adding lime increases the ph level.

[gobs]

My chemistry is rubbish. You got it right anyway.

Yes, I said it the wrong way, I often do. Completely different terminology in my native language. Sorry. I try to pay more attention.

Anyhow, some plants need attention, most should cope I think. And that's only if you measured right.

[Donnay]

It's ok I'm confused by all of it!

[Salmo]

 I would guess that you are on limestone or chalk or else someone has been heavy handed with lime in the past.

Peas, beans, carrots, parsnips, brassicas and many others will thrive at that pH.

Potatoes will grow well but will tend to be scabby at that pH but a good dose of muck should cure it.

Application of muck and other organic material will tend to lower the pH as the years go on but I would not contemplate trying to reduce the PH with sulphur or other chemicals as it is not neccessary.

A lot of lime is applied where it is not needed. Usually because people have read too many books (or looked at too many forums) where regular liming is advocated. Many soils seldom need it and most only in small doses

[stompy]

I only ever add lime in the planting hole when planting Brassicas.

Never had any problems.

[Donnay]

My raised beds are full of compost off our local council, do younthink it would be a good idea to add some top soil to reduce the ph?

[noshed]

Make sure you've used distilled water in the test (if it's one of those ones) otherwise you're just measuring the pH of your tap water.
Our council compost is a bit fierce on its own - it definately needs digging in with some soil or homemade compost

[Totty]

That ph is ok. Just add as much manure and garden compost as possible. Lots and lots. Also use blood fish and bone and test again this time next year.

[gobs]

Theme here, Donnay:

Nobody really seriously thinks, you have a problem, it's very uncommon and even then.

Measuring well in itself is not that easy.

I read it yesterday, I must admit as 8.5. For whatever reason. Forget it, it's OK.

[Donnay]

Thank you everyone for all your advice and help.x