How Much Peat Moss to Lower PH? (3 Steps Guideline)

Your beautiful plants don’t look too healthy to you. You try everything but fail. But did you test the soil? Well, your soil might be too alkaline. That might be the reason your plants’ look delicate. But you can increase the acidity by adding peat moss.

So, how much peat moss to lower ph?

Well for this, you first need to sample your soil. Then take this sample to the laboratory to test it. Or you can even use a pH test kit for it. After that, according to the result and using our formula, you can add peat moss. 

Wondering what this formula might be? Well keep on reading and you’ll find out! After you add your peat moss, your plants will be healthier than ever. 

How Much Peat Moss Should You Add?

Peat moss is an excellent organic amendment to acidify the soil. The soil in your garden might range from 4 to 8.5 on the pH scale. However, plants usually grow their best when the pH is between 6 to 6.5. 

Therefore, to reduce the alkalinity in the soil we add peat moss. Moreover, peat moss will also lock in the nutrients in the soil. The acidity and the nutrients together because of using peat moss will result in healthy plants.

Now let’s see how we can decide how much to add.

The Tools You’ll Be Needing 

Well, it’s a very simple process. So let’s see the tools you’ll be needing for this.

• Cup
• Spade
• Bucket
• pH Test Kit
• Peat Moss

These are basically what you’re going to need for the process.

Step 1 of 3: Taking Sample From The Garden

To decide how much peat moss to add, you first need to test your soil. So, take your cup, spade, and let’s go outside!

Now, take your spade and take out the top 4 to 8 inches of your soil. Then take one full cup of soil from that place. 

After that, repeat this process at least 10 to 15 times. Do this in a zigzag pattern across your entire garden. We do this because the soil nutrients can vary from place to place. Thus we take so many. 

Then gather these samples and place them in your bucket. After that, mix them thoroughly. 

Step 2 of 3: Time To Test Your Sample

After you’ve collected the sample, it’s time to test it. You can do this by using a pH test kit. You can find these at any garden center. Also, if you want you can purchase these kits from here. 

These kits are of high quality. And you can test your soil with the assurance that it’ll give the correct result.

Moreover, if you want, send the soil sample to a laboratory. And they’ll test it and send you the result.

Furthermore, in some states, the local cooperative extension service can do it for you. They will charge you a nominal fee for the test. At times they even lead you to another renowned laboratory. 

However, you need to follow their instructions for taking your soil sample. After that, you can send it and you’ll get the results back.

Step 3 of 3: Add Your Peat Moss Accordingly

After the results are back, it’s time to figure out how much moss to add. There is a rule of thumb you can use for this. 

This formula is to reduce the pH level by one full point. Add 2 to 3-inch layers of peat moss to your soil per plant. That is about 1 to 2 cubic feet of peat moss. 

pH Level	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14
Layer Of Peat Moss	2 to 3 inches	3 to 4 inches	4 to 5 inches	5 to 6 inches	6 to 7 inches	7 to 8 inches	8 to 9 inches	9 to 10 inches

You can follow this as a guide to add your peat moss.

Once you measure your peat moss, it’s time to incorporate it. However, you can’t add moss to the surface. You will have to add a minimum of 6 inches deep in the soil. And the peat moss will work its magic during the first growing season. 

This will last for two years or so. After that, you need to retest your soil again. And then you can add your moss accordingly. Apply your peat if the pH begins to increase. 

This is basically how you measure how much peat moss to add. And then you can add it to acidify your soil for a healthy plantation season. And you’ll soon notice the benefits of using peat moss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the ratio of peat moss to soil?

Answer: A good ratio is 1:1 of peat moss and potting soil. However, depending on the needs of your plant you can adjust. You can also add liquid fertilizer as an alternative.

Question: What plants benefit from peat moss?

Answer: Fruits and vegetables like the acidity that peat moss gives. Therefore you can use this for blueberries, tomatoes, camellias, Pieris, azaleas, heathers, etc. And when you add this the acidity level in your soil will be perfect. And the plants will be healthy as well.  

Question: What can you use instead of peat moss?

Answer: You can use a lot of different alternatives instead of peat moss. Coconut coir, bark, and wood fiber are great for your plants. You can also use pine needles, manure, and even leaf mold for your plants. 

Bottom Line

Well, this is the end of this segment. Hope you now know how much peat moss to lower ph. To measure you only have to use a simple formula. Or you can use the table as a guide to understanding how much to add. 

So, until next time, happy gardening!