The Hidden Chemistry of Your Garden

At GreenKnight Landscaping, we believe that understanding the technical aspects of landscaping can help our clients appreciate the complexity of our work. Today, we’re diving into the crucial topic of soil pH management and its impact on your landscape’s health and beauty.

What is Soil pH?

Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil. It’s measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Values below 7 indicate acidic soil, while those above 7 represent alkaline soil. Most plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0).

Why Soil pH Matters

The pH level of your soil affects:

• Nutrient availability to plants
• Microbial activity in the soil
• Plant growth and health
• Soil structure

Testing Soil pH

At GreenKnight Landscaping, we use professional-grade pH meters to accurately measure soil pH. These devices provide instant readings, allowing us to make informed decisions about soil amendments.

Adjusting Soil pH

Depending on the test results, we may recommend:

For Acidic Soil:

• Adding lime (calcium carbonate)
• Incorporating wood ash

For Alkaline Soil:

• Adding sulfur
• Using acidic organic matter like peat moss

The Science of pH Adjustment

When we add lime to acidic soil, it undergoes a chemical reaction:

CaCO3 + 2H+ → Ca2+ + H2O + CO2

This reaction neutralizes hydrogen ions, raising the soil pH.

Understanding and managing soil pH is just one of the many technical aspects that GreenKnight Landscaping considers when creating and maintaining beautiful, healthy landscapes. By leveraging our expertise in soil science, we ensure that your plants have the optimal growing conditions they need to thrive.