Acidic fertilizer makes for a great choice if you are growing plants that thrive in soil with a pH on the lower end of the scale or if you want to lower your alkaline or neutral soil’s pH. Acidic fertilizer can help maintain or lower soil pH levels and will also provide your crops with nutrients. This helps keep your crops happy and healthy. In this article we will discuss the following:

• Acidic fertilizer: how it works
• Acidic fertilizer: organic and DIY methods
• Acidic fertilizer: other

Acidic fertilizer: how it works

A fertilizer is a product or substance which is added to the soil to provide crops with nutrients. Plants need nutrients in order to survive, and although some nutrients might already be naturally present in the soil, over time feeding your plants will be necessary. The type of fertilizer you use to provide your plants with nutrients can impact the pH level of your soil. Your soil’s pH level also has a direct effect on what nutrients are available to plants. Acidic fertilizers have a pH which is below 7, while alkaline fertilizers have a pH higher than 7. Using an acidic fertilizer can be a good way to control and alter your soil’s pH while also providing your plants and flowers with needed nutrients. You can learn more about fertilizers by clicking here. 

Acidic fertilizer: organic and DIY methods

Using a organic acidic fertilizer does not have to cost a fortune. These great organic acidic fertilizers are made out of products that you probably already have lying around the house. Here are some of our favourite DIY acidic fertilizers:

• Used coffee grounds – great news for those of us that drink a lot of coffee. Used coffee grounds actually make for a great fertilizer for acid-loving plants. Just dry the used coffee grounds on a sheet of paper and add them to the soil. As the coffee is slowly broken down it w over time it will continue to release nutrients into the soil for a while.
• Vinegar – Vinegar is mildly acidic and will help lower the pH of your soil. Make sure you mix it with plenty of water and use it sparingly. 
• Organic material- other organic matter such as compost, manure or peat moss also make for great acidic fertilizers. 

The great thing about organic fertilizers is that they will release nutrients into the soil slowly. Making leaching and other problems that might damage the soil or the environment far less likely. Often organic fertilizers will help to better the structure and health of the soil. 

Acidic fertilizer: other

Another way to lower the pH level of your soil is by using an additive like pH- from Bac Online. This product is high in quality and easy to use. It will help you lower your soil‘s pH level quickly. If you have any questions about acidic fertilizer or are looking for some personalised advice please do not hesitate to reach out to our knowledge centre. Our experts are always happy to help you and make recommendations related to your specific circumstances.