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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.

A spot herbicide for weed control is effective at killing crabgrass and not grass, but it depends on the type of herbicide. Always check the label to ensure that your herbicide is safe for grass but tough on crabgrass. Overall, spot treatment is ideal because it puts fewer herbicides into the soil, which can damage the soil. If you’re wanting a natural remedy to crabgrass that also won’t harm surrounding grass, you can also hand-remove crabgrass or even pour boiling water or 5% vinegar over crabgrass as a spot treatment.

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.

Fast-track your seeds to success by pre-soaking them for 24 hours in a shallow container filled with tap water. The water will penetrate the husk and moisten the embryos inside. After one day of soaking, sow the seeds in the soil. Never soak the seeds for more than one day (unless the specific variety calls for longer), as prolonged soaking could cause them to rot.