It happens that we plant our favorite plants in the garden, and they, despite time-consuming care treatments, optimal fertilization and spraying, do not grow properly. One of the reasons may be inadequate soil pH. We can easily check itand change it if necessary. Here are some rules to keep in mind when planning plantings.
Soil reaction measurements
Before planting trees, fruit shrubs, ornamental plants or vegetables, I measure the pH of the soil. In many garden stores you can buy an electronic acid meter or pH meter. These devices are easy to use.
Acid soil
Usually we deal with acidic soil. Most plant species require a neutral or alkaline reaction. They do not tolerate acidic soil:
- cherry,
- cherry,
- plum,
- cabbage,
- garlic,
- spinach,
- onion,
- lettuce.
How to do liming?
In this case, it is wise to carry out liming. I make them in the fall, before digging the beds. The lime should be mixed with the soil. For this treatment, I usually use fertilizer chalk - for light soils and quick lime - for heavy soils. This is getting the desired results. Usually I give 4-10 kg of lime or 10-20 kg of chalk per 100 m², although of course the doses depend on the pH of the soil. Before we start working, we should check the tables on how much fertilizer we need to change the pH of the soil tooptimal for us.
How to prevent over-fertilization?
I am allergic to over-fertilization - too much calcium in the soil prevents the absorption of other nutrients, such as magnesium or phosphorus. Liming is carried out with caution. I always use gloves myself to protect my hands from burns. Immediately after this treatment, you cannot sow or plant plants. You should also refrain from using other fertilizers for 2-3 weeks.And the liming itself should be repeated every few years.
Which plants need lime?
Most fruit shrubs grow well in soils with a low calcium content, and stone trees are sensitive to calcium deficiency.
Some plant species prefer acidic soil. They include:
- blueberries,
- heather,
- Rhododendrons,
- hydrangeas.
The listed shrubs grow well on peat with the addition of garden soil and bark or forest litter.Before planting the plant, I dig a large hole and fill it with acid peat, pine bark and garden soil in equal proportions. Only then do I place the seedling. In the cultivation of acidophilic species, we should avoid the use of compost, manure and alkaline mineral fertilizers, such as magnesium or calcium nitrate. I recommend sulphate fertilizers for that.
What plants grow in clay soil?
When selecting plants for my garden, I pay attention to their requirements regarding the type of substrate and position. It does not change the fact that the soil can be "cultivated". If, for example, it is clayey, we will loosen it and increase its permeability by digging with a rotary tiller and adding sand. Additionally, we will fertilize it by enriching it with compost or manure. They grow well on clay soils:
- hazel,
- white dogwood,
- parsnips.
How to fertilize sandy soil?
In turn, the sandy soil can be fertilized by sowing green manure. In the case of an ornamental garden, I suggest using lupine, which has not only nutritional but also decorative value. And if we have a problem with the drying out of the soil, it will be prevented by mulching it with freshly cut grass or bark.
Michał Mazik
