I don't use a soil PH meter but try to buy a mix that is Ph adjusted for African violets. If I mix my own peat based formula, I throw in some dolomite lime or ground eggshells to combat the acidity of the peat. I do test every gallon of water for PH. I use rainwater which is usually quite acidic but some gallons have tested alkaline perhaps due to the container. If I find such a gallon with PH of say 7.2 or over, I use it for other plants. Normally, this isn't the case and with acidic water, I will adjust the PH to around 6.8 by adding local spring water. I use an inexpensive aquarium test kit from the local pet store. The readings aren't too scientific but close enough for me.

Is all that important to test for PH & such? I don't know but I've been doing it for years. I'm kinda obsessed with water quality.

Terri

I bit the bullet and bought a couple of toys. A PH meter and some stuff to go with it. I didn't spring for the EC meter though. Too expensive! I am going to start monitoring my PH properties for a while, just to make sure Im good. Ill just have to keep my eyes peeled for salt buildup.

Hey Terrilou, I have recently purchased a meter for measuring the ph of my soil and a box of the "not so scientific" strips to determine the ph of my water. I have well water and it tests as over an 8.2 in alkalinity. I know this is high and that neutral is 7 but what do you shoot for as far as ph goes in your water? I think I have some chemical around here somewhere for raising and lowering the ph in water. I just have to make sure its ok for plants.

Jeff, I aim for a ph of 6.8 to 7.0. I do have plenty of peat in my mix so over time, the medium should become quite acidic but my plants seem to do fine. I know you can add vinegar to your water to lower ph and I don't think that causes any problems. I've read that you can start out with 1/2 tsp per quart and then add more if needed. I know aquarium stores carry a product called Ph Down, which some have used. Apparently, it is also safe. Let us know what you decide.

Terri

Hey, thanks for the info. Somewhere around here I have a couple bottles of "stuff" one for raising and one for lowering ph. If I can't find it, I was just looking at a couple different bottles of that kind of stuff at Espositos. (Sorry, thats a gardening/nursery store in this area.) I am on a mission to refine my process. I want to minimally reduce the amount of plant food I am feeding my plants and also bring what my tests have shown to be a high ph of the water I use down to a more useful level.

(I have a few nit picky signs of high ph and over feeding in a few of my plants which is what has prompted my concerns.)