Planting problem !

tony williams2

Hi, iv'e got a puzzle, i have two Pieris in pots which are doing really well but i want to plant them in the garden because of their size both over 5ft ( a lot of people in my area have) but when i tested my soil it is neutral, what can i do to bring this down please. Tony.

Pete.8

There's not much you can do Tony. 
Soil has strong buffering properties (i.e. it will resist change to pH).
You could try a regular top-dressing with ericaceous compost or sulphur chips which will help.
If others are growing Pieris is their gardens locally, you should be ok.
Many people round here grow them, and here the soil is only just on the acid side of neutral

Lyn

I don’t think it’s ever a good idea to try to change the soil you have but to work with it. I love my acid soil, I have so much that grows well in it. Find plants to suit.
with the Pieris I don’t think they are over fussy, as long as it’s neutral,  I have a nice one growing big in a tub of multi purpose, but the best one is in the ground.

Yviestevie

I have 2 in neutral soil. They are growing well. 

Manc_Debi.

Years ago my grandmother buried a rusty old bike wheel and planted her Hydrangeas over it. She said that helped the acid lovers.

tony williams2

Ok thanks all i'll try it . Thanks again Tony.

Lyn

Where we used to live our hydrangeas were all pink, my mum buried a handful of rusty nails they then turned blue next year.
Even so, I still would still say don’t try to change your soil and just go with what you have, it never quite works. 

Allotment Boy

Sequestered Iron feed will help but as said above you can't change the soil fundamentally.