Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi again. I bought myself a couple of test kits (T&M) and ran the tests as per instructions. Interesting results They indicated that my soil is neutral, around 6.8. I found this a bit confusing given the reading I'd already taken with my ph meter. However, after pondering on it for some time, I noticed that there was a possible reason for the discrepancy. The test kit requires that a sample is taken from around 4" down, whereas the ph meter requires that the sample is measured something like 8-10 inches down (with the ph meter you first have to dig a small hole 4" down and then push it down further). I therefore tried just pushing the probe into the top 4" of my soil and got the same reading, around 6.8. It therefore seems that my soil IS acidic once you get to any depth over 8" or so. I'm not sure what to make of this, or what to do about it (if anything). Any thoughts ?

Cheers...freddy.

I'd agree with Johnboy about pH meters; in fact I'd go further in the case of the common garden centre ones (the ones with the metal spike you have to clean swith sandpaper before use) - they simpy do not work. I'm amazed that it is possible to sell something so clearly not fit for purpose. I've had 2, and the last one read acidic when stuck into a paste made of garden lime and water ! Universal indicator - which is in the commonly available testing kits - is pretty reliable; make sure you take the average of a few samples though.