1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Gardening

Alkaline Soil and Soil pH

By , About.com Guide

Definition:

Alkalinity refers to the pH of the soil. A pH of 7 is neutral. Anything greater than 7 is considered alkaline. Alkaline soils are sometimes referred to as “sweet”.

There are some plants that prefer an alkaline soil, such as lilacs and clematis. If you have alkaline soil and want to plant something that does not prefer a high pH, you can amend your soil with a sulfur product or even peat moss or evergreen needles, which tend to lower the pH of soil.

Examples:
I've been adding lime to my lawn every spring and now the pH is testing too alkaline.

Explore Gardening

About.com Special Features

Home Allergy Center

Banish mess, reduce allergens, and maintain a clean, healthy home. More >

Home Improvements Made Easy

Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Gardening
  4. Starting a Garden
  5. Soil, Fertilizer and Mulch
  6. pH & Soil Testing
  7. Soil pH: What Constitutes Alkaline Soil?>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.