Acidifying Fertilizers for High-pH Soils: Miracid, Holly-tone, Cottonseed Meal

Reader Question: Acid-Based Fertilizer for Houseplants and Outdoor Plants in Western High-pH Soils

"Need fertilizer that acidifies soil like old commercial product. Where to buy small quantities for home use?"

Expert Answer: Three Reliable Options

1. Miracid (Miracle-Gro) – Water-soluble powder (30-10-10), acidifies while feeding. Small boxes at garden centers/home improvement stores.
2. Espoma Holly-tone – Organic granular (4-3-4), acidifies slowly. 5/10/20 lb bags in organic aisle.
3. Cottonseed meal – Natural organic (6-2-1), acidifies. Bulk at feed stores; sometimes in 2/5 lb bags at garden centers.

All three lower soil pH over time. Miracid acts fastest; Holly-tone and cottonseed meal build soil health long-term.

Usage Tips

• Test soil pH first—don't over-acidify.
• Follow label rates; more ≠ better.
• For containers, Miracid is easiest to dose.