Question
I live on the South Shore of Long Island (Woodmere, New York) and am planning on growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and a few herbs in my garden. Without going through the trouble and expense of having my soil tested, can you tell me if the soil in this area is generally acidic, and if so should I as a matter-of-course add some lime this Spring?

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Richard, In residential areas, there is no way to tell except by having it checked.  Here in the south, most garden centers will check your pH for free and it takes about 10 seconds.  I'd take a sample by your local independent garden center.  Or for around $20, you can by a meter that will work for years and years.  Jim