DIY Soil pH Test - Garden Quickie Episode 114
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Easy DIY Soil pH Test! Using just two household ingredients, baking soda and vinegar, we can easily test our soil's pH and solve for acidic or alkaline issues.
pH is a very important growth parameter of your soil, right up there with moisture and nutrients! Most plants do best with a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH level. Falling too far outside of this range can result in poor harvests at best, and complete crop failures at worst.
Today, I'll show you how to test your soil for any pH issues in less than 10 seconds using just baking soda and vinegar! Its a Garden Quickie, so watch it twice for maximum effect! :-)
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#bakingsoda #organicfarming #gardening #organic
If you're just starting out gardening in 2022, please check out my Amazon Affiliate links below to get the right tools for the job! It doesn't cost you a cent, but this channel receives a small incentive for any items purchase through Amazon. Happy Gardening!
pH/Water/Light Meter
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3yafmrV
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3OKRW30
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3nvEIM4
Composting Tumbler!
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39CgtYw
Amazon USA: amzn.to/39Dha49
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3yLsKVf
Handy 12-piece Garden Tool Set!:
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3jsNIyk
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YZhFwx
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3qapNql
Hand Pruners:
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Amazon USA: amzn.to/3q3Oftq
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2YR3Xf8
Watering Can:
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39U4nIc
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2YR3p94
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3oX7hAa
Spray Gun:
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Amazon UK: amzn.to/3ruol1Z
Gardening Gloves:
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Why I subbed this channel.
1. No pretentious editing/ musical sequences or forcing viewer to watch, or skip a pointless intro that you made to seem more professional.
2. You did not put your children on camera.
3. You respected the viewer's time, and simply delivered the goods, rather than pad your video out with irrelevant conversation.
These are some things that I personally don't like, but have found to be common in these kinds of videos. I appreciate your approach to video-making. Thank you.
@@noeditbookreviews thanx so much for the support and for pointing out why this channel is different than so many others!
I couldn't agree more. Definitely quality content. I was almost thrown of by what I heard as an almost condescending tone in the cadence of his speech but that's probably just me and i can definitely tolerate that especially with all those factors that you mentioned.
Finally someone conscious of people's time. Great content, no fillets, no gimmicks. Keep it up
This beats the heck outta paying for an expensive kit, and it is a great field test. Thank you. 🤘😁🙏
This is an excellent way to find out the general "range" of your soil. It is also a cool way to get younger people involved in the chemistry of what soil really is and how we can affect it. As always, your video is an excellent tool for the novice as well as experienced gardeners. Thank you. 🤗
Spot on Sandy! Good quick test, then if there's an issue, you'll know without an expensive test. Cheers!
I’m enjoying the “quickly videos”. One thorough piece of info at a time, easier to remember and short enough for my Adha brain!❤
I tried this test because the gardenia I was trying to grow since 2 months ago was growing poorly and is starting to wilt entirely. I was surprised by how much my soil bubbled when I added the vinegar. So that answers my question why my gardenia was growing poorly then lol, thanks for the quick video.
Hope you're able to fix it in time for this year!
Your an awesome teacher! ♥️ Thank you so much for your videos. I just found you today. And I love that you aren't condescending or blah blah blahing about nonsense. I'm stoked I found you!! Great helpful information. You made a new subscriber!
Moice. Good to see you are still here, as always really appreciate what you share.
this is one of the most informative and important gardening vids I've seen. many thanks for sharing such valuable and useful info.
Hey thanks so much Randy...means a lot! :-)
@@TheRipeTomatoFarms You are very welcome. Btw, good luck w/the new site and the classes. Wont be long before you'll be hosting a gardening show on TV in Canada.
Shooo Jeff, you saved me some stress with this video. I got one of those digital meters, that is all over the place. and I wasn't sure what to believe. This is one way to find out for sure. Thanks a bunch!
Right on K. P., glad to be of service! :-)
@@TheRipeTomatoFarms I just got done testing all 14 of my raised beds. Vinegar- ZIP, nothing...The Baking Soda- I think there was a slight bubbling. I mean I saw a little bubble here and there. But, nothing like It did when I dumped the soils together to dispose of it 😆. That meter I have was pegging out on alkaline, had me very worried.. Suggestions for my results? Thanks so much!! I FEEL so much better about planting this weekend.
Always love the Garden Quickies but you were waaay over your time limit today Jeff!;)
Ha ha yup....original video was about 5 minutes.....I cut and cut and cut and cut......got the point where I wasn't willing to remove any of the remaining info! LOL
I'll give you some slack this time but only because you have excellent content.😊
Thanks!!
That was simple and makes a lot of sense. I treated wastewater for some years and the PH made are the difference in a successful batch.
@@byrrdiescales2838 thanks, appreciate that from someone with experience!
Just stumbled onto you guys. Bamm , I`m subscribed. You are terrific !! , short and info. I`ve never seen before. Screw the meters and expensive kits to wonder if you`ve got it right when just great chem knowledge is so easy , quick and decisive . Thank you so much !!
Wow awesome. I took handfuls of dirt and placed them in jars with water and shook them. Allowed them to settle and according to my book my soil is mostly clay and a little peaty... Time for your test!
Works! I sometimes fertilize with a bit of wood ash from campfires, which is usually alkaline. A bit of vinegar neutralizes it, seen as bubbles, heard as popping sounds.
Good to see you. Thank you for another great one. Happy new year!
Once you've done the test, you can use litmus paper or a Ph probe.
Yup,, once you know either way, then those tests can tell you how bad or not bad it is.
Well no because after the reaction, you’ve already neutralized the soil ph.
If you already have test strips, you don’t need to do these tests.
@@DrSlick, well, you assume you've neutralised it, but can you be certain without testing?! No, no you can't. Testing with a ph probe or test trips is a mean of confirmation, as would be done in the labs.
G'day mate another awesome quickie.
We 👀 you next year.
Hope you have a awesome new year
Thanks so much Tim!! Enjoy the rest of the holiday season man!
Excellent tip! I’ve always know the chemistry, just forgot the simplicity. Much appreciated!
I definitely have to do this. Thankyou Jeff. 😊🥰
Cheers! Wishing you a healthy neutral result! :-)
@@TheRipeTomatoFarms yes!!! 🍅 here goes nothing...lol
Jeff, you are awesome!
Thank you for your work and time sharing your knowledge.
Thanks Naomi, always my pleasure!!
Thank you, it always brightens my day to visit your garden.
@@naomi2646 me too! :-)
Thank you Jeff. My crops start and die quickly in Florida 100’s heat.
Oh, I can only imagine.... Just brutal!
This is great. I had no idea it could be so simple and cheap to test. Thanks, Jeff! Happy New Year!
Thanks, Jeff! You're the best!
Heyyy thanks! Right back at you! :-)
Just hearing you say soil makes me glance at my heavily alkaline clay and think "soil". Ha. How the other half live, so jelly! These simple tests are really helpful, do you got any more? 😂💖
Hopefully enough to fill 2023 my friend!
This is my go to guy, great fast info!!
@@dagvikings5340 thanks! Appreciate it!
This is awesome! I can't wait to get outside tomorrow and do some testing!🐕🐶🌲🥀🌿🍃
Sorry haven’t been around for awhile. Great information Jeff!!! Hopefully I will have time this coming year for some veggies. 🙏🏻💙🙏🏻
Cheers Brandy, hope all is well! Take care and enjoy your New Year's!
@@TheRipeTomatoFarms hopefully this new type of treatment next month will help him some. Hopefully you and your family have a great new year too!!! Let’s all make 2023 better. 🙏🏻💙🙏🏻
@@brandywvstrong9673 fingers crossed on my end as always Brandy!!
thank you for the demonstration,
Cheers, thanks for watching!
China is not going to like your method. Thank you. I have learned so much from you.
This is so cool.
I can walk to any place on my fifteen acres, point to the ground and proclaim " you are alkaline; your Ph is 8." And be correct. Ha.
You ARE the test Eric!! LOL!
@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Last summer we started our garden plants in our raised beds in mid May as we usually do. Our pumpkins, cucumbers, cantaloupes and zucchini were killed by "squash bugs". In mid June I replanted all of them and had no more issues. Is it possible that the reproductive cycle of these insects are synced with early planting? And if so, to solve the voracious bugs just plant a month later?
Nice
So your whole 15 acres probably is the same?
After much fertilizing and micro nutrients..
Citrus leaves are still yellow, Not iron chlorosis.. Will check the acidity.
Probably around 5 or so.
Could you show us how to fix or adjust the soil?
I agree! Your scientific approach is relatable. Please do some videos about soil amendments and their effects on pH and nutrient uptake. I smell another experiment!
Ya that's handy. Chemistry for the win
Shared on Facebook
Hey thanks Charmaine! Too kind! :-)
You got a new sub out of this. 😁
@@yoashuain1 thanks! Appreciate the support!
Appreciate you
My first thought was this was not accurate. But as I thought about it more, I came to the realization that for most cases, this test is just what we need. You know the range of pH of the plants you are trying to grow. And most plants like a pH of around 6.5. So if you get bubbles with the vinegar you have work to do. If you get bubbles with baking soda, you may be where you need to be. A good rough estimate short of a lab pH test. Use this method to get close and then invest in the lab test.
oh wow!! thankyou!!!
Cheers Melanie! Thanks for watching. :-)
happy new year to you..
How does the water not effect the existing pH of the soil
Thank you that was informative I think I learned something
Great video
Thanks Clauds!
Thanks a lot
Was that jersey walking cane cabbage at the beginning of the video?
Hey, good guess....but it was actually Dinosaur Kale! Crazy eh?
Hi, 👍👍
Howdy!
Amazing stuff
I'm just wondering what you do with the soil afterwards, do we throw it in the bin or can we add it back to the ground?
@@rassoronmore8931 I put mine in my compost. I don't use it right away for plants just to be safe
@ Right, thank you!
I get similar reaction from both vinegar and baking soda what does that meant ?
AWESOME > HAVE A BLESSED DAY >> CHEERS
You too Donna! :-)
Great content. Last year squash bugs destroyed all my squash and cucumbers. Any ideas for insecticides preferably organic?
Hey! I have a question if you can guide me please do.
What if we get the bubbles both of these two experiments then is the soil acidic or alkaline?
A little confused at the end
What steps are needed to correct the imbalances?
Hey Lee, usually an application of the opposite...definitely going to be its own video!
Im a total newbie. I did the tests as directed and both tests bubbled slightly so is that high acidity or high alkaline
I have few habaneros and ph is 8(alkaline) and he need acidic soil.....how do i make soil more acidic? thanks....
What are those (maybe 5?) plants you have with no leaves until it is about 2-3 feet up? At the beginning of the video.
I am actually here to test the ph of some potting soil, NOT my in ground soil. I had my in ground soil tested by the pro's. But, now, I am growing lots of my produce in pots. Plus, my ornamentals too. And, when I use a already formulated bagged potting soil, I don't really need to test the PH since most seem to be fine for most plants. BUT, I have made up a potting soil for my potted ornamentals that I got from reruns of "Martha Stewart"s show".
Now, she made it most likely to be a PH that is sorta (guessing) neutral, so that it is okay for most plants. BUT, I didn't have a GALLON measuring container, so, I kinda guessed as far as how much Dolomite lime to use , PLUS, I added some extras like Bat guano, worm poo, marine fertilizer, chicken poo (in bagged granulated form, and some extra screened topsoil. It was stuff that had been sold at the Dollar Tree as "potting soil". I added it because the mix seemed to be so "lean" and pale in color, it just looked like something you'd only plant "succulents" in. Anyway, I do hope that this PH test here will do good finding the PH in POTTING SOILS too, and not just in ground soils.
And, I guess I will need to use water that is DISTILLED so as not to mess with the results?
perhaps I missed it.....did you advise what pH garlic does best in?
Even the 7pH water alters the pH of the soil, correct?
The only way it wouldn't is if you already knew the pH of the soil and added water of the same pH.
But wait, what good is this information, without explanation
Should the soil be at 7?
What to do if it's above or below???
That would be helpful to know, especially since I am new to gardening, live on a boat in the Florida Keys
And am growing my veggies in grow bags
Making my own soil from
Bagged top soil, and black cow,
Thanks
@stephensmalldridge9504 It depends on the plants. Some plants like acidic soil, others neutral, and other alkaline.
i’m using this for my stem fair project!! also what kind of vinegar is it??
Awesome! I just use regular 5% home vinegar. :-)
Nice video
Are you using 5% vinegar?
Yes. Agricultural 10% can work as well though.
Jeff, Question. I’ve read of applying copper fungicide to deter blight and mildew. Have you heard or maybe tested this or is it even organic?
What if I have lime, can I use that instead of baking soda?
So cool
Love ya brother!!!
Not all acids and bases make bubbles. CO2 bubbles are made when an acid reacts with a basic carbonate like baking soda.
Both test generated a min amt of bubbles tho vinegar was more. I did not understand how to interpet when both mixtures are combind at the same time.
wonder if left over pickle juice would work just as well as it is vinegar and readily available.
and maybe a tums from the medicine cabinet.
Cool! And easy lol
It's the only way Barbara! :-)
Ohhh, i think ill check the lawn out back. I bet its very acidic from the apartments dogs all going on walks there.
very cool TNX 👣👣👣👣
Nice
If my soil is acid... what is the fix or remedy????
@@DelilahDavis gypsum. Anything alkaline really
Thank you 😊@@TheRipeTomatoFarms
@@DelilahDavis no problem, best of luck!
Hello! I just wanted to ask what could be wrong with my soil or what I'm doing wrong. I keep getting little spots of mildew everytime I start my seedlings. I used the simple mix from one of your videos, coco coir and manure and it still happened. Could I be doing the greenhouse method wrong while seeds germination. Is that a video you can do, on how to properly take care of the seedlings germination process use the little cell green house kits I'm sure a lot of us buy for indoor growing. This is my third time trying and I always fail.
What temperature Jasmine? Mold spots are usually a function of temperature and lack of airflow.....
@@TheRipeTomatoFarms ok, so I believe it's the airflow now that you mentioned it. I brought all the stuff for the temp, heat mat and thermometer, but may not know how to do the airflow with the lids or the vent on top of the lids. I must say, the simple soil mix from your video had the seedlings sprouting so nice by the third day, so that will be my go to soil mix. I guess I need to work on a airflow technique to prevent the mold. When I saw the little spot trying to form, I just scrapped them off but don't know if I should continue to care for them or start over again. Do you have lives on youtube, I know I have a lot of questions. I would join if you do.
@@jasminewilliams2806 yup, gotta be airflow. It's tricky, because you don't want the seedlings to dry out, but at the same time you don't want mold or fungus to take over...
What does alkaline mean that is less pH or more pH
New to gardening here. What do we want the soil to be? Acidic or no?
Depending on the plant. Some plant prefers acidic soil, some prefer alkaline. And some just don't care, but soil pH can alter the texture or color of the bloom
what is the ph for tomato soil
@@AbelMata-ng4bl neutral (7) to slightly acidic (6.5).
Thank you very much for your information
@@AbelMata-ng4bl no problem!
My soil didn't bubble with either test! Now what?
This is lovely but you still don't know what the pH levels are and considering 6 is 10 times more acidic than 7, knowing the exact value is extremely important.
Too much acidic ? What to do?
Garden lime
Ok
The brown dog was leashed to their property so the fault is the owner of the black dog
I'm a pretty smart guy but that didn't do it for me. I understand how to do the test but not exactly what they mean I have marijuana growing and I have some veggies marijuana they say you want to have at 6.5 pH Max. A friend gave me a couple of clones so I'm not going to start buying lights you know high pressure sodium or pH testers carbon filters are not going to get into all that expenditure I'm just going to let him go outdoors and they come out however they come out. Bedford Peppers etc once I do that test as you have described it it is not clear which one will go higher or lower or how to make it go higher or lower one man says put a drop of lemon juice to a liter of water.... That will make you more acidic. Please explain exactly what you're talking about.
Hi. The science you're working with is a little wrong. Gas bubbles caused by adding acids is not a universal reaction between acid and base. It only occurs when the base is a carbonate salt. So your vinegar test only works to check for a subset of alkali soils. Reading the wikipedia entry on alkali soils en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkali_soil it appears that carbonate salts are a common cause of alkali soil, so your test may be useful in several cases, but it's important to be clear what you're actually testing for.