And what has been going on since last blog? We were busy getting ready for out of town visitors. Always a welcome treat around the holidays. Seems like all we do is laugh and eat, laugh and eat. How great is that?
And a great time we had, ya know. Now they have traveled on to their next stop. And we are on to our next project ....
Let's get back to pH, soil pH that is. I found out that pH stands for Potential of Hydrogen. The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. A pH less than 7 is acidic (sour). A pH greater than 7 is alkaline (sweet). My Grandpa used to taste/smell the soil and indicate if it was sweet or sour. Not knowing what he meant, I thought it was just a ole farmer's myth. Now I know he meant alkaline (sweet) or acidic (sour) soil.
Recapping from previous blog, a soil sample can be taken and sent to your local Extension Office for a detailed report on soil properties or a soil sample kit (either probe or test tube/water/chart) can be used to see if your soil needs to be amended.
So when results are confirmed and you want your daylilies to thrive to their very best, plant them in soil with a pH between 6.0 - 6.5, a slightly acidic soil.
***** So what if the soil needs amending for your daylilies? *****
To RAISE the soil pH
If your soil is too acidic, you need to add alkaline material. The most common "liming" material is ground limestone. Ground limestone breaks down slowly, but it does not burn plants like "quick lime" does. Apply it to the garden in the fall to allow time for it to act on soil pH before the next growing season. A rule of thumb for slightly acid soils: apply 5 pounds of lime per 100 square feet (say a 5 x 20-foot raised bed) to raise the pH by one point.
Applying wood ashes also will raise soil pH. Wood ashes contain up to 70 percent calcium carbonate, as well as potassium, phosphorus, and many trace elements. Because it is powdery, wood ash is a fast-acting liming material. Be careful, a little goes a long way. Limit your application to 2 pounds per 100 square feet and only apply it every other year in a particular area.
In this case, you need to add a source of acid. Options include pine needles, shredded leaves, sulfur, sawdust and peat moss. Pine needles are a good source of acid and mulch. Peat moss with a pH of 3.0 is often recommended as a soil additive. Consider other options, because peat moss is nutrient-poor, expensive, and it's a nonrenewable resource.
As my Aunt Judith says "Prior planning prevents panic", just take a little time to prepare the soil and your daylilies will provide you with years of beautiful blooms.
Until next time, Happy Gardening....
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