Accepted Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX
It appears Ed is not available so I'll do what I can to help you out. If you live near an Agway or other farm & garden supply store they will usually test your soil for free. You could also buy a soil test kit available at most garden supply stores or mail order from one of the major seed companies (Burpee, Parks, Thompson & Morgan).
In any case you are probably over concerned about the soil ph. Soil in most of Mass. is acidic to start with. Not to mention that monarda (bee balm) is a very forgiving perennial. As long as the soil is decent and it has enough water and good drainage (sounds like your situation) it will thrive. I would suggest that you just fertilize your rhody with a fert that is made for acid loving plants like Miracid or Hollytone. Rhodys are pretty forgiving plants as well and will do fine unless they are planted in alkaline soil which is almost unheard of in New England. BTW I live in seacoast NH and have been gardening for 40+ years.

Edited by Rick on 5/13/2009 at 5:06 PM

Expert:	Rick
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Answered:	5/13/2009

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