Organic alternatives to pesticides and Acidic soil

[Jennifer and Jack]

Hi,

I have been gardening like crazy, laying sod and planting tons of bushes and flowers…  I wanted to let you know, I am sure most of you who are experienced gardeners know already but I was shocked to find flies were attracted to my hydrangea plants.   I had no idea…. In my reading I found insecticides were not good for the hydrangea but the flies were eating my leaves right up.

I tried an organic approach and I am shocked to say it has worked, no more flies.  I hung whole cloves that I put in a mesh bag from the branches.  I put two to three bags on each bush.  I also planted Mint which grows like weeds here and repels flies.   It has been four days and no more flies.. They were eating my leaves daily. Now there is No evidence of flies…. 

My question is, all the bushes I have planted, and I have planted a ton all call for acidic soil.  How have you tested your soil to see if it is acidic?  I don't really want to buy stuff if I don't need it but I don't know how to tell.

Any advice?  I will be done re-sodding next weekend and I will take pictures of all the gardens we planted… 

THanks

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thanks I truly love them too, I planted those and Gardenia which I feel like I am in Heaven when I smell them.. oh and the Lavender …. the azaleas too…..  the hostas.. impatience…. This is the first time ever I am getting to landscape my yard.. 

I am not sure about the Gardenia, it is so high maintenance ….Hope it makes it….

Jack is never alone in the yard without me so that is the good thing, the other is two of the bushes are in a section he doesn't have access to..  One he does so I will need to watch him…I never leave him alone in the yard ever though but still.        The only plant he is semi interested in… Knock wood is the hosta garden… That has become his favorite place to pee and poop. :(  at least the poop is good for the garden….   

I am anxious to take pictures but I am committed from now until my mom leaves on Monday…… 

Thanks for your help…. I 

[F, Calla & Luca]

My dogs do not eat any of the things you' re planted.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Jack so far isn't interested in anything either and with Molly visiting she isn't showing signs of it but like I said … I am always sitting on the screened in porch when Jack is outside… He won't stay out there without me.

My mom was just out and came home with Espoma (the company name) Soil Acidfier… It says it turns hydrangeas blue…Lowers Soil PH says it is safer than Aluminum sulfate and is for blueberries and Hydrangeas…  

IT says it is Sulfur   30 %

18% free sulfur

12% combined sulfur  

If it is just sulfur would it be safe on other plants ?  IN your opinion do you think I should wait to apply it

[F, Calla & Luca]

Maybe there are directions.

[Jennifer and Jack]

It didn't say if it was safe or not but I headed out to the local nursery and bought a PH tester and also asked.  THe sulfur can be used to bring the PH down on just about anything in my gardens.  She did say Peat Moss is the best to use around the plants because it is a natural way to bring down the PH… Since I Haven't mulched them yet, I will invest in some Peat Moss and try that.

My Ph readings were all over the place so it was hard to tell, if the probe hits sticks or anything it changes rapidly….. I had to add some sulfur to some plants.. now i have to wait 60 days to see if that was enough…..