Why? aka Purpose
The pH of the soil changes during and after the composting process. During the process the pH can be quite acidic, but will start to neutralize as the compost sits or ‘finishes.’ Certain plants are sensitive to the pH of the soil and most plants have an optimal pH range their roots like to sit in. By finding out the pH of your soil you can see this cool ionic process while your compost is composting and if you are trying to keep your plants happy, you can provide them with soil that is optimal for growth 🙂
Materials
- Vinegar (whatever you have on hand, but I like to use white vinegar for this)
- Baking Soda
- measuring tools ( liquid measuring cup, tablespoon)
- bowl
Methods
Put 2 tablespoons of finished (or whatever stage makes you happy) in the bowl.
Add 1/2 cup vinegar. If the soil fizzes, it is basic or has a pH greater than 7. If it doesn’t it could be neutral or acidic.
Clean the bowl and rinse with water. Add 2 tables spoons of soil you are testing to the bowl and wet with water (tap water or some neutral water… if you have distilled water, awesome… but avoid any water that is not neutral or a pH of 7-ish).
Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the soil and mix. If there is bubbling, then your soil is acidic.
If you have tried both vinegar and baking soda and you didn’t get any bubbles or fizz, then your soil is close to a neutral point.
Conclusion
Getting the pH of a compost or soil sample is not hard and you can find the needed materials in your kitchen. Having an idea of your soil is acidic, neutral, or basic is helpful when putting that compost onto the plants you hope to feed with it 🙂 Living in Colorado, we have many pine trees in our yard and they love acidic soil. These acid lovers get fresher compost because they can not only tolerate it, but thrive with it.
Happy composting!!