Alkaline Soil for Plants in Pots

Alkaline soil for plants in pots is a vital part of the gardening world. In most areas of the planet, if you are to grow anything in the garden it will require some degree of an alkaline soil in order to produce healthy, strong plants. However, this does not mean that all types of garden soil are equal. A lot of factors go into whether or not an alkaline soil will benefit your plants and whether or not it is healthy for your plants.

Factors Affecting Nature of Soil

First, before discussing how alkaline soil affects plants, let us take a brief look at exactly what soil is. Soil is the final layer between the earth and whatever else resides on it. Soil is actually a highly complex mixture of minerals that, when brought together in the right amounts, can provide a highly nutritious and productive soil. However, when it comes to plants, it is the combination of nutrients, air, and water that determine whether or not the soil is acidic or alkaline.

Alkaline and Acidic Soil

When it comes to soil, there are basically two kinds, acidic and alkaline. The kind of soil you have in your yard is acidic. This is because the mineral content of this soil is very low. Therefore, it does not hold onto moisture very well and instead relies on the sun to help it become damp and stable. However, if the temperature is high enough, the roots of plants can actually soak up water from the soil and this allows them to develop healthy roots.

Properties of Alkaline Soil

Now, the alkaline soil has a totally different makeup. This soil will hold onto moisture, but it does not rely on the sun to make it more damp. It does, however, encourage the development of the right types of bacteria and fungi. Plants are able to develop very well in this type of soil, because they do not need to stand on the damp, hard surface that the typical acidic soil allows. Plants can thrive and even grow very well in alkaline soil.

Knowing the Nature of Soil

So how does one know if the soil in their yard is alkaline or acidic? One way to tell is by using a soil testing kit. Many kits are available at all garden centers or online. They test the pH and the acidity of the soil for plants. If the pH and acidity are within normal limits, it is relatively normal. However, if either one of these is abnormally high, it could be a cause for concern.

Benefits of Alkaline Soil

Alkaline soil for plants is beneficial, but it can be hard to find. If you live in an area where the weather is extremely cold for most of the year, you may have to settle for the alkaline soil. Even if you live in a tropical area, you may have to settle for the alkaline soil there.

Knowing the Right Type of Soil

However, there is a solution to the problem of finding the right soil. It just so happens that one day, a farmer experienced the same problem. He knew exactly what type of soil to buy. It was the type that he had grown his entire life. This is what is known as organic soil, and it works perfectly for most types of plants. There is no need to grow plants in a container with synthetic fertilizer and neither is there the risk of having the nutrients run out of the soil due to other factors.

Testing the Soil

To get your soil tested, you can visit your local garden center. They will also be able to tell you which type of soil for plants will work best in your location. They also will be able to tell you what plants work best in that type of soil. If you live in an area where there is enough rainfall, or you just love to plant a wide variety of different types, then the alkaline soil for plants is something that you should consider.