What is Alkaline Soil?
Imagine your garden soil as a scale, where the numbers range from 0 to 14. The middle of the scale, at 7, is neutral. Soil that’s below 7 is acidic, and soil that’s above 7 is alkaline.
Alkaline soil is sometimes called “sweet soil” because it contains a lot of minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals can make it hard for plants to absorb nutrients from the soil, which can lead to stunted growth and nutrient deficiencies.
What Makes Soil Alkaline?
There are a few things that can make soil alkaline:
- Arid or desert areas: In places where it doesn’t rain much, the minerals in the soil can build up and make it alkaline.
- Dense forests: Trees can absorb a lot of the nutrients from the soil, leaving behind minerals that can make it alkaline.
- Hard water: If you water your plants with hard water, which contains lime, it can make the soil alkaline over time.
How to Fix Alkaline Soil
If you have alkaline soil, there are a few things you can do to fix it:
- Add sulfur: Sulfur is a natural substance that can help to lower the pH of soil. You can add 1 to 3 ounces of ground rock sulfur per square yard of soil. If your soil is sandy or has a lot of clay, use less sulfur and mix it in very well.
- Add organic matter: Organic matter, such as peat moss, composted wood chips, and sawdust, can help to lower the pH of soil. Add a few inches of organic matter to your garden and allow it to settle for a couple of weeks before retesting the soil.
- Use raised beds: Raised beds are a great way to control the pH of your soil. You can fill raised beds with a mixture of soil, compost, and other organic matter to create a more acidic environment for your plants.
Plants for Alkaline Soil
If you don’t want to fix the pH of your soil, you can choose to grow plants that are tolerant of alkaline conditions. Some common alkaline-tolerant plants include:
- Vegetables: asparagus, yams, okra, beets, cabbage, cucumber, celery
- Herbs: oregano, parsley, cauliflower
- Flowers: zinnias, clematis, hosta, echinacea, salvia, phlox, dianthus, sweet pea, rock cress, baby’s breath, lavender
- Shrubs: gardenia, heather, hydrangea, boxwood
Benefits of Fixing Alkaline Soil
Fixing alkaline soil can have a number of benefits for your plants, including:
- Improved nutrient absorption
- Reduced risk of nutrient deficiencies
- Increased plant growth
- Healthier plants that are more resistant to pests and diseases
Conclusion
If you have alkaline soil, don’t despair! There are a number of things you can do to fix it and improve the health of your plants. By following the tips in this article, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden in even the most challenging soil conditions.
