The pH level of your soil can effect the way that your plants grow.  It pH level will tell you how much acid or alkaline is present in your soil.  This can be important because some plants prefer acidic soils, while others prefer neutral or alkaline soil.  It may be wise to purchase a soil testing kit from you local hardware store and test the soil.

Soils generally range from a pH level somewhere between 4.0 and 9.0.  A neutral soil will measure about a 7.  Measurements below a 7 point to an alkaline soil while measurements above a 7 are on the acidic side.  The pH level can also affect the nutrients that are available in the soil.  If your plants prefer a pH balance that is different from what you measure with your soil testing kit, then you may have to amend the soil to adjust it to the proper pH level.  Different fertilizers and soil additives can make this possible.