0
points
Best pH for vegetable growing?

General   

Is there a value I should be aiming for that is suitable for most vegetables? I bought a kit and tested last year and it said that my soil was 6.5. I didn't have massive yields but I was quite happy with my first attempt but I would like to improve this year. Is it possible to maintain different areas at specific pH levels or is it very difficult?


Posted by: Stan (1 point) Stan
Posted: April 12, 2013




Answers
2
points
Generally, good soil pH is from 6-7. Below 6.0 pH, some nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are less available. Exceeding 7.5, iron manganese, and phosphorus are less available. Depending on what you are growing, you can add soil amendments to change the pH. It is possible to maintain different levels, and this would be easiest if you divided the plots based on what you desired. Note that changing the soil pH, while you have crops growing is more difficult, and the best course of action is to address your soil before you put major crops in.


Posted by: K.L. (5 points) K.L.
Posted: April 12, 2013


Stan commented,
thank you K.L - good to know
about 11 years ago.



1
point
Crop yields depend on many factors in addition to pH, including levels of soil nutrients plants need, soil texture, light, moisture, organic matter, and more. You may want to have a complete soil test done--if you live in the U.S., check with your local Cooperative Extension office for information about where to have this done. Based on your results, the recommendations will tell you how to amend your soil for optimum crop production.

Make sure you plant varieties bred to do well in your particular area. Veteran gardeners, your local master gardener program (if there is one), or Cooperative Extension fact sheets & personnel in your area can help.


Posted by: Peg Boyles (4 points) Peg Boyles
Posted: April 12, 2013


Stan commented,
thanks
about 11 years ago.



You need to log in if you'd like to add an answer or comment.
Heart Heart icon