Authors: Natalie Hoidal & Annie Klodd The ideal pH range for growing fruits and vegetables is 6.0 - 7.0 (with the exception of a few specific plants such as blueberries, which thrive in acidic conditions). Outside of this range, nutrients become less available to your plants, even if they are abundant in the soil. This article will cover some strategies for improving the pH of your soil, including longer-term management practices to keep it in the ideal range. Soils that are too acidic (below 6) can be amended with agricultural lime . A basic soil test will provide instructions for the amount of lime needed to adjust your soil. Soils that are too basic (above 7) also need to be amended, but a soil test will not provide specific guidance. A high pH in soil is caused by a few things: Some soils simply have a naturally high pH (or a naturally low pH) Soils that have received excess compost, especially composted manure, tend to have a higher pH due to the build-up of base catio...
