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1) How to lower pH for Blueberries 2) Tomato amendments #867104

Asked May 05, 2024, 1:18 PM EDT

1. My soil pH is 6.4 where my blueberries are planted. How to I lower the pH for established plants? 2. My soil pH is 6.7 in my tomato bed. What should I put in the hole (besides my own worm castings) when I plant tomatoes? I usually add Bone Meal, but I'm worried it may raise the pH too much. Is gypsum a good idea?

Clackamas County Oregon

Expert Response

1. The ideal pH for growing blueberry plants is 4.5-5.5. Elemental sulfur application yields rapid results compared to nitrogen fertilizers. You can apply elemental sulfur in a narrow band under the drip line of the bush, no more than 3 oz per plant at any one time. Make sure the elemental sulfur is mixed properly with the soil. Keep the soil around the plant moist but not wet. This can be done any time of the year, but better in the fall. 

2. First, I would recommend going with the soil test report. If you do not have soil test information, before transplanting, use one to two pounds of 10-20-10 or similar fertilizer for each 100 square feet. All fertilizers should be worked into the top six inches of soil. Tomatoes prefer a fertilizer low in nitrogen, high in phosphorus, and medium to high in potassium. Since the soil pH is 6.7 in your tomato bed, applying gypsum is a good idea as it is pH-neutral and it helps prevent blossom-end rot.



Srijana Shrestha (she/her) Replied May 10, 2024, 7:56 PM EDT

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