What Vegetables Don’t Like Acidic Soil?
Soil acidity refers to the pH of the soil. Soil with a pH of 7 is neutral, acidic soil is below 7, and alkaline soil is above 7. Certain vegetables like carrots, potatoes and beets prefer a slightly more alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8, whereas others thrive in soil with a slightly acidic pH range, around 6.0 – 6.2.
Vegetables that Prefer Alkaline Soil
- Beans
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Peppers
- Potatoes
Vegetables that Don’t Like Acidic Soil
- Eggplant
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Brussels sprouts
- Garlic
- Kale
- Radishes
If your soil has a naturally occurring pH of 5.5 or lower, you may have difficulty growing vegetables which prefer an alkaline soil. These vegetables may struggle to develop properly and the taste of their produce may be adversely affected.
In these cases, gardeners should take steps to raise the pH of their soil. This can be done by adding powdered lime to the soil or by adding wood ash, a natural pH-raiser. Before adding any additives, it is important to check the soil pH level to make sure you are adding the right amount of material. A soil test kit can help you keep track of your soil’s pH, or you can go to your local extension office to test it.
Overall, it is important to remember that some vegetables do not like acidic soil. Knowing which vegetables prefer alkaline soil can help you ensure your garden is as successful as possible.
