If the soil has a neutral pH value or even an alkaline pH value, this is a very poor basis for the growth of some plants. This can never work out in the long run. However, you don't necessarily have to vacate their space, because the garden soil can be made acidic afterwards.
How to make garden soil more acidic?
To make the garden soil more acidic, you can use coniferous soil, special compost, mulching material made from softwood and oak leaves, grape pomace, iron sulfate or sulfur. Avoid peat and vinegar, as these substances are ecologically questionable or harmful to soil organisms.
Determine pH value
The appearance and growth behavior of a plant can be clear signals that the soil is not acidic enough for it. However, you can only be completely sure if you determine the pH value of the soil.
Peat – a disused remedy
Peat soil lowers the pH value of the soil. That's why it was often used in the past when it came to making the garden soil acidic. In the meantime, ecological awareness has grown, which is why the destruction of the moors is no longer acceptable.
Alternatives
The pH value of the garden soil can also be reduced using the following products, which are available to us inexpensively or even free of charge and are also easy to use. These are they:
- Coniferous earth
- Special compost
- Special mulching material
- Grape pomace
- Iron sulfate and sulfur
Coniferous earth
Soil under conifers has a low pH value. If you only want to make a small area of the garden soil acidic, you can remove some of the coniferous soil and mix it with the soil.
Special compost
There are special types of compost whose composition consists of acid-forming plant materials. Pure oak leaf compost also provides plenty of acid.
Note:Avoid using vinegar, even if this tip is repeatedly touted as promising. Its success is only short-lived and it also harms soil organisms.
Special mulching material
In particular, mulching with a mixture of shredded coniferous wood and oak leaves should be mentioned here. The approximately 5 cm thick layer is also enriched with an organic fertilizer. Horn shavings (€52.00 at Amazon) are ideal for this.
Tip
The mixture of coffee grounds and horn shavings also makes the garden soil acidic. Since coffee grounds are not available in unlimited quantities, this mixture is only suitable for small areas.
Grape pomace
If you live in a wine-growing area, then try to get your hands on grape pomace. These are pressed grape residues that arise during winemaking. The natural grape acid contained in it makes the soil acidic and at the same time is gentle on the microorganisms of the garden soil.
Iron sulfate and sulfur
Both substances are suitable for compacted soils. But while the sulfur takes effect quickly, the iron sulfate takes many months. It should therefore be applied in the previous season.
