Soil Testing Results in my garden in CA

Got Worms? · March 6, 2013

6.0 and rising will be fine for your tomatoes. Tomato plants will grow in soil anywhere from a PH of 5.5 to 8.0, but do best between 6.5 and 7.0. (slightly acidic) Most people shoot for the 6.5 because it falls within the range of most veggies. Add half the lime and rake it into the top 2" of soil a couple of days before you plant this season, and add the remainder in the fall. This won't burn your plants. By next year your PH should be closer to the 6.5 recommendation. Try to do your soil tests in the fall so you have all winter for your PH adjustments to take effect. Use calcium carbonate and not dolomite. If you need magnesium later, you can always use Epsom salts. Changing PH is is not something that is done in one shot. It is some something done over time and fine tuned so that you know where it is and which way it is going, as it will not stay where you want it forever.
Charlie

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

March 6, 2013	#18
Got Worms? Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NY Zone 5b/6a Posts: 546	6.0 and rising will be fine for your tomatoes. Tomato plants will grow in soil anywhere from a PH of 5.5 to 8.0, but do best between 6.5 and 7.0. (slightly acidic) Most people shoot for the 6.5 because it falls within the range of most veggies. Add half the lime and rake it into the top 2" of soil a couple of days before you plant this season, and add the remainder in the fall. This won't burn your plants. By next year your PH should be closer to the 6.5 recommendation. Try to do your soil tests in the fall so you have all winter for your PH adjustments to take effect. Use calcium carbonate and not dolomite. If you need magnesium later, you can always use Epsom salts. Changing PH is is not something that is done in one shot. It is some something done over time and fine tuned so that you know where it is and which way it is going, as it will not stay where you want it forever. Charlie