Soil pH question

[adio420]

Hey grow-folk,
I had another quick question for all you wonderfully helpful people: My soil pH is an uncomfortable 8.0 and the tap water here (after having sat out for 48 hours) registers at 7.6. Here's the query, what is the simplest way to lower soil or water pH? I have the basic test strips (is it still called litmus paper?) for water, and a little soil test kit (I hear the digital meters have accuracy issues). What can I do? Thanks in advance!

-Adio

 

[Gblink3]

Ph - /PH down any home store sells it, its like 15$ but you get a whole bottle of it that should last a few months.

 

[Aistu]

Ph - /PH down any home store sells it, its like 15$ but you get a whole bottle of it that should last a few months.

I'm broke so.. the Cheapest Way would be.. Vinigar for More Acidic (Lower PH) and Baking Soda for More Alkiline (Higher PH) Mixed into your water.

 

[adio420]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. In either case, any recommendations for dilution? I.e. how much vinegar does it take to lower the pH a full point in a gallon of water? Again, I really appreciate the responses.

 

[MrFishy]

I'd save my pennies and buy some dolomite (lime) which I'd mix with my soil. Dolomite fixes SOIL pH at 7 or below. Won't exceed 7.
You can use wood ash (potash) to do the same thing, but have to find the amount to use by trial and error. Potash seems about 1/2 as strong as other soil pH fixes.

 

[Aistu]

When using Vinigar it takes VERY LITTLE to lower it.. Baking soda is the oppisite takes a good ammount to raise it..

 

[itsgrowinglikeaweed]

You will LOVE this tester and its only like 20$ > http://cgi.ebay.com/Digital-Milwaukee-pH600-pH-Tester-Meter-Pocket-Pen-600_W0QQitemZ380124537302QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item58813021d6&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
I know how I got along without it- I was extremely lucky. You may not be. Ph is extremely important. Nutrients added to the water will lower the Ph for you too and I bet the plant likes nutes better than it like vinegar.
Also keep in mind that over time your soil will likely become more acidic naturally. Check this out it will really help understand soil chemistry > http://www.ncw.wsu.edu/treefruit/soil/lime.htm
At 7.6 a few drops per/gallon of vinegar will get you to the desired 6.7. But with that tester you can water your plant and then test the runoff to get a very accurate Ph of your plants environment. Good luck!