Much has been written about choosing plants from other Mediterranean regions due to their adaptation to our Summer Dry climate. Little however has been mentioned about the differences in soils. South Western Australia and the Cape Region of South Africa have very old, lean and acidic soils. The soils generally drain faster than our local soils. Our region lies on the edge of the Central Valley which generally has alkaline soils that are heavy and not well drained. This is without even mentioning the alkaline water supply many of us use to irrigate our gardens. Planting acid loving plants in our soils often leads to nutrient lock up and chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves).

   The best way to change the pH (lowering it by lowering the level of alkalinity and thereby increasing the level of acidity) is to incorporate granulated sulfur at planting time. Quantities to be added are printed on the back of the boxes it is sold in and are a good guideline as long as you know the current pH of your soil. I also like to spread around either Iron Sulfate or Cotton Seed Meal in late Winter or early Spring, just as the rains are wrapping up for the year. If yellowing reappears during the season then a foliage soak with Chelated Iron will provide a quick fix. These products can be found at local independent nurseries and are relatively inexpensive.

(Editor's note:  to measure your soil or water pH, you can purchase a relatively inexpensive and simple pH testing meter or kit from your garden center. Read the instructions; the test is simple and short ...even for the editor.... while most plants tend toward slightly acidic, your blueberries, camellias, rhodies, azaleas, will especially thank you big time for the acidic adjustment... but be sure to read the instructions!!... too much on these generally shallow-rooted plants won't helpf)

                          ___________________________________________________