Brian minter: a brief introduction to terms for new gardeners

We often hear about “soil pH” or “soil acidity,” and it can be confusing. The level of soil acidity, or alkalinity, must be in a range where plants can thrive. Most plants grow well when the

pH range is between 5 and 8. A measurement of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, above 7 is alkaline. On the West Coast, with all the rain, soils tend to be acidic, while the drier Okanagan

tends to have alkaline soils. Acidic soils are adjusted by applying lime, and alkaline soils are amended by adding sulphate fertilizers. Both products will help bring soils into the range

where plants are happy. Meters that measure pH levels and soil test kits are available to determine a soil’s profile.