Why Use A Soil PH Test Kit?
A soil ph test kit will show you what the ph level of your soil is. You need to know the ph level of your soil in order to amend it for the plants that you want to grow.
Testing your soil is a very simple step that will enable you to get the very best from your plants and enjoy a successful garden.
The right soil
It’s a mistake to skip testing your soil ph levels. Why would you want to try and grow plants in soil that doesn’t suit them? If you don’t test your soil, you’re just asking for disappointing results.
The soil pH level will affect how well plants utilize the nutrients available in the soil. These nutrients are the building blocks the plant requires for successful growth. A plant that is stressed and struggling in unsuitable soil, is also going to be more prone to insect attack and pathogen infections.
Test your soil, consult a ph chart and make any necessary adjustments. Your plants will do so much better in the right soil!
Types Of Soil PH Test Kit
Ph testers come in 2 types. You can choose an electronic meter or a chemical soil ph test kit. A electronic meter is simplicity itself to use. Just insert the probe into the soil and the ph level will be shown on the display.
The second type of soil ph test kit is the chemical test kit. With these kits you place a sample of your soil inside the plastic container that comes with the kit, add the powder from one of the capsules and then add some water and shake to mix everything up. Then compare the color of your solution to the colors on the ph level guide.
This soil tester kit is easy to use and contains enough capsules for ten tests. You also get a handy ph reference guide.
Soil Test Kit
To grow the best garden possible, in addition to using a soil ph test kit you should also test your soils NPK levels.
N = Nitrogen, P = Phosphorus and K = Potash
Again, once you know what the levels in your soil are, it’s easy to amend them to the levels required by the plants that you intend to grow in each spot.
Vegetable Growing PH Levels – Quick Reference Guide
| Vegetable | PH Range | Vegetable | PH Range |
| Artichoke | 5.6 – 6.6 | Okra | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Asparagus | 6.0 – 7.0 | Onions | 6.2 – 6.8 |
| Avacado | 6.0 – 7.0 | Parsley | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Beans | 6.0 – 7.0 | Parsnip | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Beet | 5.6 – 6.6 | Peas | 5.6 – 6.6 |
| Broccoli | 6.0 – 7.0 | Peanuts | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| Brussel Sprouts | 6.0 – 7.0 | Peppers | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Cabbage | 5.6 – 6.6 | Potatoes | 5.8 – 6.5 |
| Cantaloupe | 6.0 – 7.0 | Pumpkin | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Carrot | 5.0 – 6.0 | Radish | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Catnip | 5.0 – 6.0 | Raspberry | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Cauliflower | 6.0 – 7.0 | Rhubarb | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Celery | 6.0 – 7.0 | Rutabaga | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Chard | 6.0 – 7.0 | Shallots | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Chili Pepper | 5.0 – 6.0 | Spinach | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Chives | 5.0 – 6.0 | Squash | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Cucumber | 5.0 – 6.0 | Strawberries | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Dill | 5.0 – 6.0 | Sunflowers | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Eggplant | 5.0 – 6.0 | Sweetcorn | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Garlic | 5.0 – 6.0 | Sweet Potatoes | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Gourds | 5.0 – 6.0 | Swiss Chard | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Kiwis | 5.0 – 7.0 | Tobacco | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Leek | 5.0 – 6.0 | Tomato | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Lettuce | 6.0 – 7.0 | Turnip | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Mint | 6.0 – 7.0 | Yam | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Mushroom | 7.0 – 8.0 | Zucchini | 6.0 – 7.0 |