Lowering soil PH

Ingredients
1

I am planting some hops at the end of this month. I had my soil tested earlier this year and I think my PH is a little high. What I have read is that you want a PH between 6.5 to 7, and my PH is 7.7. I was wondering if anyone knows a simple way of lowering the PH of my soil. Any help would be great.

Thanks

2

Adding organic matter annually to lower soil PH over time is the best method. But, soil acidifiers that utilize sulfer are available.

3

If you need it, here’s an organic option that I’ve used for blueberries in the past:

http://www.espoma.com/p_consumer/pdf/products/Esp_Soil_acidif.pdf

Pine needles and composted oak leaves are good amendments to help keep pH down over time. Peat moss works too.

4

Peat moss is what we use when planting blueberries (a very acid loving species). It acidifies the soil nicely.

5

Would putting chalk down lower the PH of the soil?

6

No.

7

How about egg shells to lower the PH?

8

They’ve got lots of Calcium so it may go the other way. Just a ponderance . . .

9

It would take alot of egg shells, but it would raise soil ph.
If you are looking for a quick fix, look into using elemental sulfer as an acidifier. Otherwise, you the long term approach of adding organic matter over seasons is your best option.