31K views · 13K reactions | Isn’t this a beautiful song? The water after you’ve boiled or steamed your red cabbage can be used to test the pH of your soil. After you’re boiled your cabbage for a few minutes, strain the cabbage leaves (eat these) and then leave to cool. Place the cooled red cabbage water in a jar or glass and add a tea spoon or two of soil. Give it a swirl and then leave the red cabbage water for a few hours. If your water turns pinky red then you have acidic soil (low pH) Blue or purple water means you have neutral soil. (PH of around 7) Green or yellow is alkaline soil. (High pH) For the most accurate results it is best to boil your red cabbage in distilled water as it has a neutral pH. (pH 7 approx) Your tap water might have a high or low pH which could affect the results. Certain plants have a preference to the acidity or alkalinity of the soil it grows in. For example rhododendrons (including azaleas), camellias, most magnolias, blueberries, cranberries and many carnivorous plants will only grow in acidic soil. Therefore it is worth checking the pH of your soil before going down to your local garden centre and purchasing plants. After you’ve tested the pH of your soil, don’t forget to pour it around your plants. It is packed full of nutrients and makes a great free plant food. Happy gardening | Simon Akeroyd Garden Writer