Which common plants dislike acidic soil?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Several garden favorites do not perform well in acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 or lower. Plants in the garden evolved in neutral to alkaline conditions in nature, and often, it is a challenge for them to absorb nutrients in sour, acidic soil. Knowing which plants prefer specific conditions can help you create garden areas that thrive with abundant plant growth. You can adjust the pH or replace it with other plants that better adapt to your current acidic conditions.
Ornamental Species
- Lavender requires pH 6.4-8.2 for proper oil production
- Lilacs need alkaline conditions above pH 7.0 for best blooms
- Boxwoods develop yellow leaves in acidic environments
Vegetable Garden
- Asparagus performs poorly below pH 6.5
- Cabbage family needs pH 6.0-7.5 to prevent clubroot
- Beans experience nitrogen fixation failure in acidic soil
Special Cases
- Succulents absorb minerals poorly below pH 6.0
- Spinach develops nutrient deficiencies in acidic conditions
- Clematis vines show reduced flowering under pH 6.5
If sensitive plants need it, adjust the soil pH. To raise the pH, you should add garden lime (5 lbs per 100 sq ft). Wood ash provides potassium while reducing soil acidity. Select the right planting areas for plants that thrive in alkaline conditions. It is also possible to use raised beds with custom soil mixes.
Be aware of the symptoms of pH stress in alkaline-loving plants. Look for yellowing leaves with green veins that can be signs of iron deficiency, or shoots with stunted growth when you are providing proper care of light and moisture. The other indicator is blossom drop without fruit. If you recognize these symptoms, be aware that the soil acidity may be too high for the plant to thrive.
Implement intelligent gardening solutions to accommodate a wide range of pH requirements. Grow acid-loving blueberries indoors using the same methodology and process as in-ground beds. Grow lavender in containers with alkaline potting mix, or potting mix that has been amended to be slightly alkaline. Establish separate zones using separate soil amendments. This will enable the maintenance of a wide range of plants in a single gardening area.
To ensure optimal soil conditions, test the pH level annually. You can buy simple testing kits from a local garden center. Test each different area of your yard separately. Amend the soil in the fall, before spring planting. Observe how plants respond after the amending process. These proactive strategies can prevent difficulties associated with pH issues.
Read the full article: 10 Acidic Soil Plants That Thrive
