Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. It is an essential factor in determining soil fertility and plant growth. Let’s explore the importance of soil pH, which vegetables and fruits prefer high, medium, and low pH, and how to amend soil pH.

Why is Soil pH Important?

Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients in the soil. When the soil pH is too low or too high, it can cause nutrient deficiencies, making it difficult for plants to absorb essential nutrients. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is generally ideal for most plants, but some plants prefer more acidic or alkaline soil. If you don’t know your soil’s acidity level, see my post on Getting to Know Your Soil and soil testing.

Low, Medium, and High Acid Vegetables

Different plants have different soil pH preferences. Some plants prefer acidic soil, while others prefer alkaline soil. Here are some examples of vegetables and fruits and their preferred soil pH levels:

High pH (7.0-8.0): Asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, melons, and spinach.

Medium pH (6.0-7.0): Beans, beets, carrots, corn, cucumbers, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, squash, and tomatoes.

Low pH (5.0-6.0): Blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries.

How to Amend Soil pH:

To amend soil pH, you need to add materials that either increase or decrease soil pH. I suggest doing this in the fall or early spring before any plants are in the space. Here are some organic materials you can use to amend soil pH:

To increase soil pH (make it more alkaline), you can add materials like limestone, calcium, wood ashes, and bone meal.

To decrease soil pH (make it more acidic), you can add materials like sulfur, pine needles, and peat moss.

It’s important to note that amending soil pH takes time, and you should avoid overdoing it. Always follow the instructions on the packaging as each amendment will have different applications. You should also test your soil regularly to ensure that you are maintaining the correct pH level for your plants.