soil Lowering soil pH.

Daniel92 · May 15, 2015

I've been reading about lowering soil pH and it's been confusing so far, I bought some aluminum sulfatet thinking it should be a good way to lower it. I'm keeping all my growing organic and after reading it can be toxic to humans i'm looking for some advice on it. I bought a garden mix from a local supplier that consist of brown sandy loam topsoil, aged leaf compost, mushroom compost and cow manure for my raised beds. The pH is reading about 8.0 obviously too high for the peppers and tomatoes I'm growing. What is the best way to lower my pH? I'm already noticing plants having a deficiency in nutrients with yellowing of the leaves.

RedtailForester · May 15, 2015

There are a ton of sulfur products out there. I'm fairly sure Aluminum sulfate is alright for plants but obviously you don't want to eat a spoonful of it......

Scuba_Steve · May 15, 2015

RedtailForester said:
There are a ton of sulfur products out there. I'm fairly sure Aluminum sulfate is alright for plants but obviously you don't want to eat a spoonful of it......

That is sold at my local home depot, along with its sister product that raises soil ph or "turns hydrangeas pink".

queequeg152 · May 16, 2015

aluminum sulfate is best because it works veryquickly.
sulfur needs to be reduced by sulfate reducing bacteria.

where are you hearing aluminum sulfate is harmful? you would have to eat... like a spoonful.

willard3 · May 16, 2015

Try wood ashes from your stove/fireplace.

RedtailForester · May 16, 2015

willard3 said:
Try wood ashes from your stove/fireplace.

Everything I've ever read says woodstove ash can actually raise your soil pH do to the amount of calcium carbonate in it.

If you are heart set on going an organic route, I've heard pine needles can help lower soil pH.

Baseman · May 16, 2015

Aluminum sulphate will also bind with phosphate so I don't suggest that. Personally I use ph down in the water I use for the plants but a organic way I'd use is using old coffee grounds in the soil

nzchili · May 16, 2015

aluminium sulphate is really strong. its very easy to overdo it.
sulphur is a good option, but takes time to work.
Another option may be to mix to bale or two of peat into the raised garden

suchen · May 16, 2015

Baseman said:
Aluminum sulphate will also bind with phosphate so I don't suggest that. Personally I use ph down in the water I use for the plants but a organic way I'd use is using old coffee grounds in the soil

We actually use aluminum sulfate at work to restore hyper nutrient-rich ponds and lakes for that very reason.

Spicy Mushroom · May 17, 2015

Scuba_Steve said:
That is sold at my local home depot, along with its sister product that raises soil ph or "turns hydrangeas pink".

Yep. It's called 'Garden Lime'. I bought a couple bags last week

willard3 · May 18, 2015

I must have mis-read your post, thought you wanted to increase Ph.

mrgrowguy · May 18, 2015

dolomite lime - same as the garden lime mentioned before but garden lime is brand specific.

edit: usually added/tilled in before.

CAPCOM · May 19, 2015

How potent is the garden sulfur? Or what is the coverage and the expected pH change ? Do I need a whole bag to cover 900 sq ft to change pH from 7.8 to 7.6? or is the change more significant? Maybe 7.8 to 6.8.

Never mind, No way will I attempt to change the pH of the entire garden using sulfur, or at least not in these 10lb containers. it will take 16lb per 100 sq ft to effect a change of 1. in pH.that'll cost me $160.00. going to treat each hole before planting. Thinking 1 tbs per plant?