The least expensive method for checking soil pH that I have found is by using indicator dye solutions, specifically bromocresol green, for growing blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons. The procedure is pretty simple, you take a soil sample of one tablespoon, and mix in enough distilled water to make a slurry. The slurry is filtered, using a paper filter, such as a coffee filter with funnel, and the filtrate is collected. One teaspoon of filtrate is sufficient. Add just enough dye indicator to see some color, yellow means pH = 3.8, blue means pH = 5.4, and green color means pH is in the range 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7. Dye indicator solutions can be ordered from HMS Beagle, located near St Louis, MO. You might be able to find a source that is closer to home. A small bottle, one fluid ounce, will cost about 4 dollars, and might do 100 tests, so that comes out to 4 cents per test. If you want a more precise pH reading, then a pH meter is the way to go. However, pH meters have a glass bulb that can be broken if the meter is dropped, and the bulb can get contaminated and fail to work. Also, a pH meter has to be calibrated before use, with standard pH solutions, easy to do if you have a chemistry lab, not so easy for the average homeowner.

Tx ericwi.. Very helpful, bromocresol green,is the way I'll go ! We have a Worms Way about 20 miles away I bet they will have it. I'll give them a call.