If you’re planning a garden, you have likely seen the term “acid-loving” used to describe different plants. Many vegetables, fruits, and flowers are significantly impacted by the acidity in the soil, and as a result, they require special care. To ensure optimal plant health in your garden, learn more about acid-loving plants with this guide. 

The Importance of pH in Soil

To understand acid-loving plants, you must first understand the pH scale. Ranging from 0 to 14, the pH scale measures a substance’s acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7 is neutral, a pH above 7 signals alkalinity, and a pH under 7 signals acidity.

The pH of soil plays a key role in plant health because it impacts the availability of nutrients. For instance, many plants require iron to stay healthy, and iron is most easily available in soil with a pH under 7, or acidic soil. Thus, plants that require iron are considered acid-loving plants. If these plants are placed in soil that’s not appropriately acidic, they won’t receive adequate iron and will be at risk of stunted growth and disease.

Popular Acid-Loving Plants 

There are many acid-loving herbs, such as lemongrass, thyme, oregano, and rosemary. Trees like beech, oak, willow, and dogwood also prefer acidic soil, as do flowering plants like daffodils, azaleas, and hydrangeas. 

Some of the most common acid-loving fruits include blueberries, cranberries, gooseberries, and huckleberries, all of which thrive in soil with a pH between 4 and 5.

If you’re planting vegetables, sweet corn and cucumbers require a pH of 5.5, while broccoli, turnips, onions, and squash do best in soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Veggies like potatoes, peppers, and parsley love acid even more, requiring a pH of 4.5 to 5.5.

How to Care for Acid-Loving Plants

Before you plant, have the soil’s pH tested. When you receive the results of the test, lower or raise the pH as necessary.

There are a variety of products you can use to feed your acid-loving plants when they need it most in the spring and fall. These include products to lower or raise the pH, as well as soil mixes that add other beneficial nutrients for the plants. Maintain proper pH by regularly testing the soil and adjusting it as needed.

 

To keep your acid-loving plants healthy and strong, turn to Nelson Plant Food in Bellville, TX. This family-owned company has been helping plants thrive for over 35 years. Along with high-quality, affordable fertilizers, they offer thorough soil analysis and can create custom mixes to ensure your soil is the appropriate pH. Learn more about the company’s commitment to plant health online, or call (979) 865-8596 to discuss your needs with a friendly team member.