Posted by steven on April 30, 19100 at 23:38:04:
In Reply to: wrong garden soil posted by Marie on April 30, 19100 at 22:32:51:
: My husband bought garden soil for ornamental bushes and trees (slightly acidic) instead of soil for vegetables. I didn't realize it was the wrong kind until I'd already mixed it with dirt (probably also somewhat acidic, pine trees near) and planted tomatoes in it. What effect will this have on my tomatoes? Would it help if I add wood ashes on top?
Thanks for your help.
Marie,
The best thing to do would be to test the soil to know the pH for sure.
Most plants will tolerate a range of soil conditions especially if the soil is enriched with organic matter. Your tomatoes will probably be ok.
Adding wood ashes or limestone may not help much as they are slow to work into the soil.
Use wood ashes only very sparingly. Ashes work like adding garden limestone to the soil. This will raise soil ph and supply minerals including calcium and potassium. I use one cup per bushel of compost. Do not use ashes if you have alkaline soil, and do not use ashes on or around acid loving plants. Ashes means clean firewood ashes with no paint, metal or other contaminants.
Coal ashes should not be used, coal ashes contain toxins.
steven