Q.Use of cottonseed meal
I bought some cottonseed meal to put around my crepe myrtle and Japanese Maple trees to make the soil more acidic. (recommended by a guy at the nursery) Both areas tested around 7.2 on my meter. I see it’s also a fertilizer. I live in So. Calif. Should I apply this on the soil now to drop the PH even though it’s just the first of November? I was thinking that quicker the better as far as bringing down the PH. Or should I wait until Spring to do this? Thanks for your help.
Dale Miller
Temple City, Calif
MillerIce3@aol.com
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Now is fine. The winter rains will help to assimilate the amendments in preparation for the spring growing season.
Yes, cottonseed meal also contains a slow release form of nitrogen and other nutrients, but is not a complete fertilizer in itself.
Compost will also help to lower pH on a long term basis.
Soil sulfur, an important plant nutrient, along with the organic amendments, will get faster results.
Another way to go is to use a more complete fertilizer for acid-loving plants.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/raise-acid-level-soil.htm
