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At its core, soil pH is a measure of how many hydrogen ions are present in your soil. In highly acidic soil (low pH), plant growth is difficult due to reduced microbial availability in the dirt.

In highly alkaline soil, plants may struggle to grow due to iron deficiencies. In either case, a lack of balance deprives grass or plants of some key nutrients they need to grow.

A pH reading of 6 to 7.5 is ideal for most plants. Slight acidity is, generally speaking, less of an issue than slight alkalinity. Many plants can still thrive in slightly acidic soil.

You can use a fungicide to help control powdery mildew, but you should apply it judiciously as it can damage soil health and persist in the soil. Most of the time, proper watering, surface drying, and limiting shade can control powdery mildew without needing harsher interventions. If you have a repeated problem with powdery mildew, you can also try planting a shade-resistant type of grass that will be less susceptible to the fungus.

A few common lawn maintenance mistakes include failure to use fertilizer, not committing to a yearly maintenance plan, and under- and over-watering your lawn. Other issues that might arise include poor timing of lawn treatments. It’s important to dethatch, aerate, and reseed your yard at the right time of year—preferably in early spring.

Bahia grass is not difficult to grow, but you might need patience for this slow-growing grass. Whereas some grass species, like Bermuda grass, can take 1 to 2 weeks to germinate, Bahia grass can take two or three times as long, making it seem like it won’t grow. But again, once your Bahia grass is established, it requires little maintenance. Its deep root system makes it a very durable grass that can bounce back after freezes and droughts.