The Soil Problem Solver For Gardener's

Problem

AIkaline Soil

INDICATOR PLANTS FOR ALKALINE SOILS

Some plants that grow well in cooler, wetter areas of the country prefer alkaline conditions, too. The following plants fall into this category. Remember that they can grow well on a range of soils, so don't assume that your soil is alkaline just because it hosts Queen Anne's lace and chickweed. Test to be certain.

Chenopodium bonus-henricus (good King Henry, goosefoot)

 Cichorium intybus (chicory)

Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass)

Daucus carota (Queen Anne's lace, wild carrot)

Euphorbia maculata (spotted spurge)

Filipendula ulmatia (meadowsweet)

Ste//aria media (chickweed)

RIGHT Chenopodium bonus-henricus (good King Henry) BELOW Filipendula ulmaria (meadowsweet)

Solution - Water for a quick fix

If you have a plant that is suffering from alkaline conditions in mid- to late season, you can give it a quick fix when you water. Simply replace one watering a week with common white vinegar, which contains 5 percent acetic acid. Remember to apply enough to penetrate the soil, down to the area where the roots are actively growing and taking in moisture and nutrients. Monitor the soil with a home test to be sure you aren't making it too acid, and stop when the pH reaches a level between 6.8 and 6.5.

Vinegar is fairly inexpensive when you are making pickles, but if you have more than a plant or two that needs this treatment, it could prove expensive. Check with your local pharmacist and explain what you plan to do. He or she may be able to give you a 10 percent solution at a much lower price. Dilute it by half to make it 5 percent acetic acid; percentages higher than this can injure plant roots and disrupt soil life.