Mix in agricultural lime according to the label directions.

or use dolomite at the prescribed rate.

len

Here is a link that might be useful: len's garden page

Why do you want to change the soil? Can't you change what you grow in the soil?

You know that you have a soil pH of 5.5 which indicates possibly a soil test. What did the soil test say about adding lime? What is the ratio of calcium to magnesium? What is the level of humus in your soil?

Since you have acid soil over a large area, changing it will be an on-going, long-term and possibly futile process. If you can't put in raised beds, with "imported" top soil, for your veggies and flowers that don't like acid soil, can you just learn to appreciate the acid-loving plants and shrubs, and grow them for the most part? You could then concentrate the pH changing efforts on the areas where you HAVE to change to grow certain plants.

Did you have a soil test done, sending samples away, or did you use one of the home-tests? The home-tests can be inaccurate, so if it wasn't done in a lab, go to your county Extension office and get a free test kit and send it off. You might be surprised at the results - still acid but not horrible. Do tell the lab that you are using organic methods, as this would change their recommendations. Of course, if you DID send away for your testing, my apologies for doubting you.

As the above posters implied, the test sheet you get back should say how much lime to add to change the pH. Since the lime acts reasonably quickly, and dolomitic lime works slowly, a mix of the two would last longer.

pave :)

I would also use lime. Generally if one wishes to shift soil pH by one full point or less I view sulfur or lime as very reasonable tools to use. If the soil needs to be shifted more than one full point it becomes less of an option.

Regular additions of organic matter to the garden areas will, over time, shift the pH closer to neutral, but this affect will only last as long as organic matter is being added regularly.

If I were you though I would be using some of that soil, unmodified, to grow some blueberries. Your soil (5.5) is at the upper ph range for optimal growth and production. I have to replace my soil with peat to grow them (6.8 pH)

dou, is your 'plot' for veggies? If so, applying an annual dose of a lime product is standard operating procedure, especially if the pH is low. However, I'll agree that those home soil testers are not very reliable, and that you should take advantage of your state's extension service for a more accurate testing before applying anything.

There may be a small fee, as there is in many states these days, but it will be well worth the investment. I'll attach the link to your county office.

(dibbit, how long has it been since YOU had soil samples done in SC? Hasn't been free there for a looong time!) Just teasing. It may not be free, but the fee is small.

Here is a link that might be useful: Click here!

Rhizo, I need to get a new test done - the last one I had sent away to a lab as I wanted a comprehensive test of the soil, more than the extension office does, before I bought the property, which, I admit, was too long ago. I THINK the NC test is still free - a friend just had a test done there, and I don't think she paid for it, but I may be wrong. But you are right, I should have said free or for a small fee....

Thanks for all your great advice and will ring the county agent.