Do weeds indicate acidic soil problems?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Some weeds may indicate that the soil conditions are acidic. These weeds tend to grow in areas where the pH is too low for the desired plants, but they are perfectly suited to pH conditions that acidify the soil. The presence of certain weeds is a visible indication of the soil's chemical properties, even though weeds by themselves are not definitive proof. Nonetheless, where specific weeds coexist with plants that are struggling, it could indicate an acidity problem that needs to be addressed.
Primary Indicators
- Sheep sorrel with arrow-shaped leaves and red flowers
- Plantain showing broad parallel-veined leaves in rosettes
- Knotweed forming dense mats in damp acidic areas
Secondary Indicators
- Moss carpeting large areas of bare acidic soil
- Horsetail thriving in poorly drained acidic patches
- Buttercups preferring moist acidic conditions
Confirmation Signs
- Combined presence of multiple indicator weeds
- Stunted garden plants showing nutrient deficiencies
- Failure of alkaline-loving plants like lavender
Verify the indicators of weeds with a properly performed soil test. You may want to consider using a do-it-yourself kit for quick results. Collect a sample from various parts of your garden to send to a laboratory. You will have to send the sample to your extension service for a full analysis. Your testing will help with the accurate measurement of pH. This is a crucial step, as it eliminates the guesswork in your decision-making process regarding acidity levels.
Acidic soil can be adjusted with caution when weeds indicate the presence of acidity. To raise the pH, apply lime gradually and consider using pelletized limestone for quicker results. In conjunction with lime, an addition of organic matter, such as compost, can be incorporated. Improvements made to the soil will create better growing conditions.
Utilize these well-thought-out practices to minimize the growth of acidic weeds in the future. Continuously maintain your pH at the proper level by testing it regularly. Remove indicator weeds quickly before they set seed. Increase drainage if you are in a water-logged area. These measures will reduce the conditions that the acid-loving weeds prefer.
Recognize that certain weeds can coexist with other acid-loving plants. For example, blueberries can usually be found growing near sorrel. Ferns have an association with moss. Concentrate, however, on the elimination of the most aggressive competing weeds. This balanced strategy ultimately enables the desired garden plants to continue thriving.
Read the full article: 10 Acidic Soil Plants That Thrive
