For example, the type and level of a soil's nutrients available for plants to absorb are directly related to the soil's pH level. Strawberries, for instance, flourish best in soil that is relatively acidic (ericaceous). Most plants thrive best in a soil that is neutral (pH =7). A soil that is considered "neutral" would be a soil with a measurement of "7." Most garden soil has a pH level between pH4 and pH8.5. Some plants, however, are exceptions.

If you care about the health of your plants, you should be mindful of your soil's pH for a variety of reasons. A soil's natural pH level is measured on a scale of 0 14. Obviously, then, you should know your soil's pH level before you. On the other hand, plants such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower grow best in soil that is more alkaline (or limey). A pH scale is a system for testing levels of acidity and alkalinity.

A level of "0" indicates an extreme level of acidity, and a level of "14" indicates an extreme level of alkalinity.