Rapitest, Soil Test Kit. Adjusting my PH tips please?

MrSalvage · April 19, 2016

Hello let me start off by saying thank you for any of your time in advance.

I did two PH tests today. One was with bottle spring water and the other was with my untreated well water. I wish I had a bottle of distilled but I didn't.

I did get to totally different colors with each type water.

The 1st test was with spring water & was in the yellow to lime color area.
My girl says yellow so PH 5.5
I say lime so PH 6.0

Again this is spring water and here are some pictures.

I will do a separate post for my well water next.

MrSalvage · April 19, 2016

This is the test with my untreated well water. It looks light orange to me and the scale says that PH level is (5.0 Very Acid)

Of course my main concern is all my tomato's and hot peppers. i do have other stuff as well like peas, green beans, okra, cukes, melon & squash to name a few.

Would any of you guys and gals be able to offer any tips?

Again thank you in advance for any of your time.

Bill

dmforcier · April 19, 2016

First test says 5.7 to me. Second says 5.0.

Neither is a problem, especially if you're growing in dirt. (I.e. not in pots.) Dirt has a buffering effect, the more dirt the more long-lasting the effect. (With the limited amount in pots, a differing pH can overwhelm the natural pH of the mix, but that is much more a problem with alkaline water, like here in Dallas.)

Most plants like an acidic environment. I'd say water from the hose, maybe mix some line into the beds, and don't worry about it.

MrSalvage · April 20, 2016

Thank you for your feedback. It's getting really close now to plant time now. I want to fine tune the 20x40 plot of land as best as I can.

I mixed up the soil last night for the other three tests. Here it is 24 hours later and that water is still really cloudy orange. Because it's no longer daylight I am going to wait until the morning to run the other three tests.

Maybe you can help me out tomorrow with those results as well?

I really want to pick up the finial stuff i need for the year on Friday. May 1st is almost here.

Thank you for your time!

Bill

April 19, 2016	#3
dmforcier Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,825	First test says 5.7 to me. Second says 5.0. Neither is a problem, especially if you're growing in dirt. (I.e. not in pots.) Dirt has a buffering effect, the more dirt the more long-lasting the effect. (With the limited amount in pots, a differing pH can overwhelm the natural pH of the mix, but that is much more a problem with alkaline water, like here in Dallas.) Most plants like an acidic environment. I'd say water from the hose, maybe mix some line into the beds, and don't worry about it. __________________ Stupidity got us into this mess. Why can't it get us out? - Will Rogers

April 20, 2016	#4
MrSalvage Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: VA - Zone 7A Posts: 344	Thank you for your feedback. It's getting really close now to plant time now. I want to fine tune the 20x40 plot of land as best as I can. I mixed up the soil last night for the other three tests. Here it is 24 hours later and that water is still really cloudy orange. Because it's no longer daylight I am going to wait until the morning to run the other three tests. Maybe you can help me out tomorrow with those results as well? I really want to pick up the finial stuff i need for the year on Friday. May 1st is almost here. Thank you for your time! Bill