Dont test the water that you've mixed the fertilizer in. Ever.

The pH testers made for home use are notoriously inaccurate. Are you worried about the pH of your garden or of containers?

If the latter, what type of potting mix are you using? Most are already pH adjusted already.

I have my plants in containers. The soil Im using is from the outdoors. I understand how that can be a bad thing. Im getting some leaf burn is why Im worried. I figured it was either the pH or a CalMag deficiency.

After I put fertilizer in my water, I would test it and it was horribly acidic. So I thought I might be burning them that way. Its not over fertilization I was really careful about that this time around.

So you're saying I don't have to worry about the PH when I put fertilizer in the water? So then do I have to pH the water that doesnt have any fertilizer in it afterwards?

Thanks for the help I really appreciate it.

Also how would you recommend testing my water pH if the indicator solutions are inaccurate?

Yes, using the soil from outside in containers is a very bad idea.

To find out the pH of your water, call your water provider....your public utility company. That should be your starting point, Donnie. Your utility company's website probably publishes the current water chemistry information....no phone call needed.

To test the pH of your soil, contact your local extension office for directions about how to take and submit a soil test for pH and other elements. Since you're using the outside earth, THAT'S what needs to be tested, not your just fertilized water.

By the way, if you decide to have your soil tested, do not sample the stuff that has already been employeed in a container.

What are you trying to grow?

Soil from the outside can turn on you when used in containers. Native soils need to be part of the soil system in order to function properly physically and chemically. That can very well be the reason for the issues with your plants.

Where in the world are you?

Your municipal water system will be able to tell you what the pH of your water is and you will find that it is near neutral since water that is too acidic or too alkaline will not only taste bad but can be harmful, to you. Adding that plant food to your water will not change the pH much, if at all, since there is nothing in the stuff to do that. You have a pH meter that is not working properly.

I've been growing things for some 60 years now and remember being told way back at the beginning to use a soilless mix for containers, not regular gardens soil.

http://www.sunset.com/garden/fruits-veggies/how-to-grow-veggies-in-pots

Mixing the recommended dose of this product, 1 to 2 teaspoons per gallon of water, is not enough to make a major change is the pH of water.

kimmq is kimmsr