Soil pH can have a major impact on the success rate of your garden.  Some plants like soil that is more acidic and some do better in alkaline soil.  It is a good idea to test the soil before planting to make sure that the conditions are idea of your plant material.  But what do you do if you find that your soil is too alkaline for your plants and it needs to be adjusted?

There are several things that you can do to reduce the amount of alkaline in the soil.  One way is to add acidic material to the soil.  Materials such as aluminum sulfate, peat moss or sulfer can be used to lower the pH in the soil.  These materials should be available at your local garden center.  Just keep in mind that it will take less material in sandy soil and more material in clay soil.

Another option would be to use organic material.  Mixing compost or dead leaves in the soil can improve the pH levels, as well as using orgaic mulch.  Water can help break down alkaline salts, so mulch helps keep moisture in the ground.  Improving on your soils drainage is another way to improve the soil.  Another trick is to add coffee grounds to the soil, as this can also lower the pH levels in the soil.  If all else fails, there are several plants that do will in soils with high alkaline.  You could choose different plants, and still create a beautiful garden!