What is a garden soil's 'pH level'?

What is a garden soil's 'pH level'?

Tracy DiSabato-Aust (Garden Designer and Author) gives expert video advice on: Why is it important to know what type of garden soil I have?; How do I know what type of garden soil I have?; What is a garden soil's 'pH level'? and more...

pH is an indication of the alkalinity or acidity of a soil. It's important because certain plants, like Rhododendrons, Azaleas – we call these irricatious plants – prefer acidic soil, and usually do not grow well in an alkaline soil, or a soil with a high pH. Other plants – some of the Pinks or the Dianthus, Lavenders - prefer more of an alkaline soil and don't prosper as well in acidic soil.