GENERAL TIPS - Soil pH

The level of acid in your soil can have a profound effect on the success of your garden. Some plants prefer their feet to be dipped in slightly acidic ground while some require earth that is alkaline. If you plant the wrong kind of plant in the wrong kind of soil, it may not flourish and may whither and die.

Acidity is measured by pH, on a scale of 0 to 14, with 0 to 6 being acidic (lemons, acid), 7 being neutral (pure water), and 8 to 14 being alkaline (ammonia or detergents). Most plants survive on levels very near neutral.

The acidity of soil can be measured using a litmus test. Test kits can be found in most gardening stores.

Below is a list of optimal pH levels for a successful vegetable garden.

Artichoke (globe) 5.6-6.6
Asparagus 6.0-7.0
Beans 6.0-7.0
Beet 5.6-6.6
Broccoli 6.0-7.0
Brussels sprouts 6.0-7.0
Cabbage 5.6-6.6
Cantaloupe 6.0-7.0
Carrot 5.0-6.0
Catnip 5.0-6.0
Cauliflower 6.0-7.0
Celery 6.0-7.0
Chard 6.0-7.0
Chili pepper 5.0-6.0
Chives 5.0-6.0
Cucumber 5.0-6.0
Dill 5.0-6.0
Eggplant 5.0-6.0
Garlic 5.0-6.0
Kiwi 5.0-7.0
Leek 5.0-6.0
Lettuce 6.0-7.0
Mint 6.0-7.0
Mushroom 7.0-8.0
Okra 6.0-8.0
Onions 5.0-7.0
Parsley 6.0-8.0
Parsnip 5.0-7.0
Peas 5.6-6.6
Peanuts 5.0-6.0
Peppers 6.0-8.0
Potatoes 5.8-6.5
Pumpkins 5.0-7.0
Radish 6.0-7.0
Raspberry 5.0-7.0
Rhubarb 5.0-7.0
Rutabaga 5.0-7.0
Shallots 5.0-7.0
Spinach 5.0-7.0
Squash 6.0-7.0
Strawberries 6.0-7.0
Sunflowers 6.0-7.0
Sweet corn 6.0-7.0
Sweet potatoes 5.0-7.0
Swiss chard 6.0-7.0
Tobacco 5.0-7.0
Tomatoe 5.0-7.0
Turnip 5.0-7.0
Yam 6.0-8.0
Zucchini 6.0-7.0

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These tips are only of a general nature. Plants and climate will greatly differ wherever your garden may be. Always check these suggestions against your local extension office's advice.