How to Check pH Levels of Your Planting Soil

Collect a sample of the soil to test. If garden soil is tested, dig up 10 soil samples from the garden area. Dig samples 6 to 8 inches deep and avoid roots, rocks and plant debris. Place the 10 samples in a clean plastic bag and mix thoroughly. Pour the soil into a pan or plate and dry at room temperature. When the soil is air dry, place 1 to 2 cups in a clean plastic bag. Label the bag with the date and the location of the garden area.

Ship the soil sample to a soil-testing laboratory to determine the soil pH. Often universities with agriculture programs have testing labs. Commercial labs provide the most accurate pH test results. Soil test kits purchased at garden stores are often designed primarily to test acidic soils. For the best results commercially test alkaline soil.

At a garden center, buy a container of soil pH test strips, which are easy to use and give a general indication of the soil pH. To use most test strips, place 1 to 3 tbsp. of soil into a plastic container. Add the same volume of distilled water and mix well for 1 minute. Let the soil mixture stand for at least 30 minutes. Pour the soil mixture through a coffee filter and collect the fluid. Put the test strip into the fluid and compare the color with the color chart.

Purchase a pH meter at a garden supply center. The meters differ is size and shape and give an estimate of the soil pH. Follow the package directions. Many pH meters must be calibrated with a buffer solution. To test soil, mix 1/8 cup of distilled water with 1/8 cup of soil. Shake the solution and let it settle for 10 to 15 minutes. Insert the pH meter into the solution and read the pH. After the test, rinse the electrode with distilled water.

Purchase a soil test kit to determine the pH. Following the package directions, pour pH indicator solution into a test tube and add the soil sample. Mix and note the color change. Compare the color of the solution with the color chart.