Plants Won't Grow - Concrete the Cause? How to test soil?

[Julles]

I had a section of my sidewalk replaced about 4 years ago.  In the beds next to the sidewalk is Asian jasmine - full and lush and thick.

Well, after the sidewalk went in, right next to it, a patch about 2' square, the jasmine never grew.  I figured the workmen had trampled it, and that the vines would grow back.

They never did, and, in fact, I realize that the patch has grown, and now is about the width of the bed,but only along where the new chunk of sidewalk is.  I've added new soil, compost, transplanted new vines there; nothing wants to grow.

Paul James, of HGTV's Gardening by the Yard, mentioned that beds planted next to limestone and some other stones might become too acidic, due to water washing the rock's chemicals into the soil.  He said to add sulpher, to correct the pH balance.

I'm wondering if I might have the same issue with my concrete.

Anybody know anything about that?

I'm wanting to redo part of that bed, and while I'm digging and working in more compost and etc., maybe I should be adding something to undo whatever the concrete has done.

[marla]

Love that show.....have you tested the soil there?

[Jerry]

Marla has it right. Do a soil PH and see what lacks.

[Julles]

How do I test the soil?  Can I do it myself, with a kit from a garden store, or need I take it to the Agricultural Extension Office?

[reddad35]

I think you can buy the kit at lowes or home depot. If not approach your loca nursery and they can do it or direct you.

[Joyce]

More importantly....is this area getting plenty of water?
Because the plants you mentioned must get plenty of water, especially if they are newly planted.

If you started new plants, the area should be watered very well, almost to soaking every day for at least 2 weeks until the plants are established.
Even better, water them every day for a month, since that area sounds like it is enclosed in cement.
The cement not only keeps water from getting to the roots, it also heats up in the sun, often drying up the soil and heating the plant to the point of killing it.
A good layer of mulch will help keep the soil from drying out.