To raise too-low pH (acidic): Add garden lime, dolomite limestone, or wood ashes. To lower too-high pH (alkaline): Add horticultural sulfur, composted oak leaves, or pine needles. Test Garden Tip: Try not to touch the soil samples with your bare hands. The oils from your fingers can disrupt the pH balance in the soil, thereby affecting the outcome of your soil test. To evaluate results, let your shaken vial sit for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the liquid to settle and take on a color. The color of your liquid will determine what pH level your soil is at (see your soil test kit’s guide). For best judgment of color, hold your vial up to the sun.
