Tips on soil testing, how to use old newspapers, and a use for chalk.

Test Soil for Alkalinity:  Before Planting, dig up dry soil from your yard or garden to use as samples.  Divide the soil into 2 portions. On the first portion pour on vinegar, if it fizzes, the soil is alkaline (a pH of 7 or higher).  

To Test Soil for Acidity,  Pour baking soda on the second sample of wet soil.  If it fizzes, the soil is acidic, (a pH of less than 7). 

Different parts of your garden or yard may be one or the other.  The entire area may be both acidic and alkaline  It may be a good idea to do individual tests for different parts of the garden or yard according where you want to plant.

Some plants do well in acidic soil, others do well in alkaline soil.  You can also contact your Cooperative Extension Service in your  county and they will conduct a soil test for a fee.  In addition, some hardware stores sell soil testing kits.

Old Newspapers   Use old newspapers (black and white newsprint, not color) for mulch.  They are biodegradable, a by-product of trees. After planting annuals or perennials, place sheets of old newspaper as mulch around the plantings.  Shredded newspaper is ideal since it will not easily blow away before you complete your task.  Next, wet the paper well as if watering mulch.  This should keep the newspaper in place, and it will gradually decompose, amending the soil.  If the area is where you do not want the newspaper seen, you can cover it with a layer of mulch.  The newspaper will keep weeds down.

Glass tabletops  Use newspaper that is at least 2 weeks old (the ink will not rub off onto the glass)  Spray water or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar onto the glass tabletop. Rub clean and dry with old newspaper, no streaks.  This also works on windows.

Chalk  Place one or two  pieces of chalk in the bread box.  The chalk will absorb moisture and help keep the bread from molding.

Thanks for reading my blog, I hope this was helpful,