What Vegetables Don’t Like Acidic Soil?
Soil pH plays an important role in determining the types of plants that can survive in any given area. In particular, acidic soil is not the preferred growing environment for many vegetables. Here, we’ll look at some of the vegetables that don’t thrive in acidic soil and what alternative growing conditions they prefer.
What is Acidic Soil?
Acidic soil has a pH level of 6.0 or lower. Some acidic soils may be as low as 4.0. These levels of acidity can make it difficult for plants to absorb certain nutrients – a process that is dependent on a slightly more neutral pH level.
Vegetables that Don’t Like Acidic Soil
Different vegetables have different pH preferences. But generally speaking, some of the vegetables that can struggle to grow in acidic soil include:
- Potatoes: Potatoes will not thrive in acidic soil. The ideal pH for potato cultivation is 6.0 to 7.0.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8.
- Onions: Onions prefer a neutral pH of 6.2 to 6.8.
- Green Beans: Beans prefer a slightly acid soil with pH levels between 6.0 and 6.8.
- Carrots: Carrots prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Alternatives for Growing Vegetables in Acidic Soil
If you have acidic soil and you’d still like to grow some of the vegetables mentioned above, there are some ways to counteract the acidity. The two most popular methods are adding lime to the soil and using raised beds with potting mix.
- Lime: Adding lime to the soil is an effective way to reduce its acidity. Lime is a naturally occurring substance that can be added to the soil in small amounts to raise the pH.
- Raised Beds: Another option is to create raised beds filled with potting mix. This will help to provide more neutral soil conditions, enabling vegetables to grow in acidic soil conditions.
Conclusion
Acidic soil can make it difficult for certain vegetables to grow. Potatoes, tomatoes, onions, green beans and carrots are just some of the vegetables that struggle in acidic soil conditions. To counter acidic soil, you can add lime or use raised beds with potting mix.
