Check and Adjust Soil pH if Necessary

Most flowering plants—from azaleas (Rhododendron spp., native to Asia and North America, non-invasive) to zinnias (Zinnia elegans, native to Mexico, non-invasive)—prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A quick soil test in late May lets you tweak acidity with lime or sulfur before buds swell. I once corrected a low pH issue in my tulip bed, and the subsequent bloom was the showiest yet!
Proper pH unlocks essential nutrients, leading to stronger stems and more vibrant colors. Healthy soil chemistry underpins every flourish above ground.