so basically what im getting from the responses is if i use a liquid agent to lower the ph it is only solving the problem temporarily ? ? thanks everyone for being helpful
That is exactly right. Despite the bashing, Cowboylogic has given spot on advice and info.
Vinegar and baking soda? Keep it in the kitchen.
#1 As was mentioned before, if it's one of those 2 pronged meters you stick in the dirt, THROW IT AWAY!!!!! They are worse than nothing because they are so inaccurate and will have you trying to correct a wrong pH. Most organic soils tend to be acidic, not alkaline.
#2 If you really need to lower soil pH, garden sulfur will do the job. Not liquids of any sort. pHing water or nutes or whatever is just pissing into the wind. It sounds good to noobs and gives stoners something to do. Gardeners and farmers fix their soil pH first and get on with growing without all this nonsense.
#3 Get some powdered dolomite lime, or garden lime or sweet lime. You WILL need it, even with FFOF. $5 for a 40lb bag at HD or Lowes, it prevents so many problems from happening in the first place. Keeps your pH buffered into the 'sweet' zone and supplies cal/mag to boot. Best $5 you'll EVER spend.
You can do this the easy way (real gardeners/farmers), or the internet stoners way (pHing everything). Your call.
Wet