Depending on whether your soil has a lower or higher pH level, you might be able to grow different plants, some of which require a specific level of pH and specific types of nutrients and minerals in order to grow. In order to know whether to take steps to reduce or increase the pH of your soil, however, you will have to find a viable means of testing the pH in the first place.
Now, not everyone has access to special kits that can provide an accurate assessment of your soil’s pH. Fortunately, there are ways to do that without a kit.
You can test your soil with a combination of vinegar and baking soda. Collect some soil from different parts of your garden, and add about ½ cup of vinegar per 1 cup of soil. If it fizzes, your soil has a pH between 7 and 8, which is considered alkaline.
If it doesn’t fizz, then use a second batch of soil in a second cup. Add distilled water to the container, then add ½ cup of baking soda. At this point, if it fizzes, then it means the pH is somewhere between 5 and 6 (acidic). The goal is to obtain soil that doesn’t react at all. This would mean the soil is neutral, having a pH of 7.
Once you know pH levels, you have a good idea of what kinds of plants will grow best. For safe digging call before you dig in Denver to make sure power sources remain uninterrupted.