Hello again knowledgeable smokers and tokers. I read and read but some things are hazy until someone says it right so here I am, please help.

1) So I've finally put my 6 babies into flowering the other day and decided I'd check the soil so I got a soil tester and I'm getting readings like 5.0 5.5 and 6.0, and I've found a lot of conflicting opinions on what I should be at. I know the stuffs too acid... well I think it is and was wondering about how I should be applying my lime since on the directions it has only says before you plant something. I figured I'd apply it the same way I do fertilizer and mix it with the top layer of soil before watering but wanted to ask here 1st for alternatives.

2) Also, I have one plant I've intentionally root bound and dwarfed, it's like a bonsai at this point kinda... is it going to be able to bud or am I screwed?

3) My soil tester says not to use it for water... can I soak 2 sponges and leave one on either sensor thingy to get a water reading?

4) I guess I got some scale insects (little balls on my stalk) - should I use a houseplant pesticide I have now (nothing mentions if its safe for fruits/veggies/weed) or just get something like neem oil or what can I do here?