How to Balance pH With Lime and Peat When Potting

The pH level of your soil indicates its acidity or alkalinity. The pH scale reads 0.0 to 14.0, with a pH of 7.0 considered neutral. The lower the pH level, the greater the acid content, and the higher the pH level, the greater the amount of alkaline in the soil. Peat is naturally acidic, and, when mixed with soil, will decrease the pH level. Lime has a naturally high pH, so the introduction of lime to soil mixed with peat can efficiently balance your soil’s pH level. Adding lime to your soil will not only balance its pH, but will also prevent the pH from decreasing as the peat breaks down and adds acid to the soil.

Things You'll Need

• Large plastic bucket
• Mixing stick
• Measuring cup
• Dolomitic lime

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure out an amount of dolomitic lime that equates to approximately two percent of the soil that you wish to treat. For example, if you’re treating 20 pounds of soil mixed with peat, you’ll need approximately 6.4 ounces of lime.

   • 2

     Place the soil in a plastic bucket and add the lime.

   • 3

     Use a mixing stick to thoroughly mix the lime into the soil. Cover the mixture when you're finished to prevent the soil from drying out.