How to determine soil acidity using plants: an important nuance

Even novice gardeners know how important the soil acidity values are on the site.

As the expert of the online publication BelNovosti, agronomist, landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh explains, the best way to determine the acidity of the soil is to use a field acidometer (pH meter).

If you don’t have such a device at hand, don’t be upset: perhaps a life hack from experienced gardeners will help you. They use clues from so-called indicator plants to determine the increased acidity of the soil.

Belous

Belous is a perennial plant that can be recognized by its protruding whitish leaves. Its height ranges from 15 to 30 cm.

Common heather

A low (30-50 cm) bush “decorated” with small leaves and pinkish-lilac flowers.

Broadleaf hydrangea

As is known, this plant is able to change the color of its flowers depending on the pH of the soil. In alkaline areas, hydrangea flowers are colored pink, and in acidic areas - in colder blue or purple shades.

Marsh marigold

The herbaceous plant can reach a height of up to 40 cm, but what is more important is the fact that it is a poisonous crop (especially during flowering).

White clover

Of the many types of clover, only white clover can easily take root in acidic soil.

Wood sorrel

The wood sorrel got its name for the oxalic acid present in its leaves, which gives it a bright taste. It looks like a small herbaceous plant with white flowers that are inconspicuous in appearance.

Please note: if only one of the listed plants grows on the plot, it is too early to draw conclusions about increased acidity. You need to find strong and healthy representatives of several species at once.