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ronjh_gw

Acid loving rock plants

RonJH
19 years ago

Hi, I'm new to this group so pardon any lack of etiquette on my part. I'm setting up a 3 teired rock garden with lots of alpines - but one teir is going to be devoted to acid loving plants. I live in slightly alkaline area and some of the walling has been built using cement which I quess will increase the alkalinity a bit.

Anyone got any suggestions please on how to acidify the soil without importing a several tons of ericacious compost and removing several more tons of otherwise good topsoil. Someone mentioned the use of sulphur to do this but had no idea of quantity to use.

Comments (3)

  • leftwood
    19 years ago

    The Back of my soil suphur bag just says apply at rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 sq ft. I know just what your looking for, X amount to lower pH from Y to Z. Had it once and filed it somewhere from pre-computer times, but heck if I can find it now.

    If you are working with black soil for alpines, that is still way to rich. I hope you are amending it with sand/chick grit. Rich soil will make them grow larger and wimpier than they should be.

  • leftwood
    19 years ago

    Also, granite grit is what you want. Granite is natural more acidic.

  • sheryl_ontario
    19 years ago

    You can buy acid in powder for for gardens. Its mainly for hydrangeas, to change their color. Maybe that stuff will help or use a vinegar drench.

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