your best bet is to get a SOIL TEST done by your local Agricultural Agency -- usually free --- as there is so much 'more' to soil quality than just the Ph!
I am a bit overwhelmed by my new CA Sierra Foothills garden and all the different options here (fruit trees, ornamentals, container gardening).
I have been a gardener in the Midwest for decades and was content to use organic compost for most of my needs. Now, with expanded growing options in Zone 9, I’m particularly interested in educating myself! Thanks!
your Ag agency may also have a 'Master Gardeners' group that would be glad to help you with your new 'digs' -- ( no pun intended! ) ! also a good LOCAL nursery ( not a 'big box' store that just wants to sell plants ) would be good to cultivate !
I have a neglected, but once elaborately lamdscaped as a Japanese-style terraced garden. The soil varies from “perlite added” to native rocky regions. It perplexes me, but I’m up for the challenge!
Soil tests are always recommended every few years. Most every speaker in my master gardeners class recommend this for optimal way to address your soil and circumstances. The box and instructions can be obtained from your local cooperative extension, unless you want your lawn service to do it.
You have to have a good soil to meet your needs to growing grass and plants. From there you will find out recommendations to promote the grass growing conditions to include fertilize lime ( pH adjustment) aerate and seed.
Please do the MG classes, I did it last year and it was my dream since the 1990s. You wont learn everything....but know how to find the knowledge and answers as well as being in great company of other gardeners - plant lovers who mentor you and volunteer to help your community.
Also another idea, join your local Garden Club, or just call them and ask for advice. They usually have at least a couple of Master Gardeners. Our little club has two and we're always asking them questions.
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Kelli, there seems to be a lot of info on this, so I will send you several videos to look over.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=text+PH+of+garden+soil
Hi Kelli! Here is some really helpful information for you.
https://www.bing.com/shop?q=Do+I+need+a+kit+to+test+the+pH+of+the+garden+soil%3f&FORM=SHOPPA&originIGUID=1EF73FCF56F9427D9217C65C448548F0
https://www.thespruce.com/do-it-yourself-soil-ph-test-4125833
https://morningchores.com/best-soil-test-kit/
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-Soil-pH
your best bet is to get a SOIL TEST done by your local Agricultural Agency -- usually free --- as there is so much 'more' to soil quality than just the Ph!
They should have test kits at any home improvement store. Ag extension offices may even have them and offer to test the soil for you.
Hello Kelli,
Soil tests are always recommended every few years. Most every speaker in my master gardeners class recommend this for optimal way to address your soil and circumstances. The box and instructions can be obtained from your local cooperative extension, unless you want your lawn service to do it.
You have to have a good soil to meet your needs to growing grass and plants. From there you will find out recommendations to promote the grass growing conditions to include fertilize lime ( pH adjustment) aerate and seed.
Hope this helps.
Also another idea, join your local Garden Club, or just call them and ask for advice. They usually have at least a couple of Master Gardeners. Our little club has two and we're always asking them questions.