Can I grow any veggies with the 4.5 to 5.0 PH soil?

allenwrench · Intermediate Crude Joined: Apr 23, 2008 Posts: 859

I made a dedicated blueberry bed and do not have enough plants to fill it out yet. In the space not yet used, can I grow any veggies this year with the soil sulfur modified to be 4.5 to 5.0 PH?

SpringCreekFarm · Intermediate Crude Joined: Mar 03, 2006 Posts: 889

According to my sources, no, too acidic.

steam_cannon · Expert Joined: Dec 28, 2006 Posts: 2467 Location: MA

Edit: Note, Ludi gives a better answer then me in the next post down...

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It's fine, if your veggies are pine trees... Rolling Eyes

Ludi

pH 4.5 to 5.5
Radish
Sweet Potato

pH 4.8 to 5.5
Potato

acidlovingplants
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steam_cannon · Expert Joined: Dec 28, 2006 Posts: 2467 Location: MA

Ludi

Thank Google! Very Happy

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dooberheim

If you mix a good bit of wood ashes in with your soil, it'll bring the pH up.

DK
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Everado · Coal Joined: Jun 15, 2008 Posts: 10

If it goes below 4ish, aluminum ions become much more soluble, which prevent plants from absorbing any minerals. Grow what Ludi suggested, or look up other tolerant plants since those are more adept at overcoming this. The soil will probably return to its natural pH eventually if you add ash/lime.

RedStateGreen

Or you can dump some compost on top. Smile

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DoubleD

Cranberry plants love the same soil conditions as blueberries... they make a great ground cover/understory planting for a blueberry patch. I have several growing between and under my blueberries.
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kpeavey · Expert Joined: Oct 04, 2004 Posts: 1244

Put the compost right to the beds, and in no small amount. Digging the compost into the first few inches of soil will adjust the Ph to some degree, giving shallow rooted plants a better chance at surviving in an acid environment. The compost will also feed the earthworms, the earthworms will work to adjust the Ph of the soil. Earthworms are natural bioreactors. Whatever goes in the front comes out the back closer to neutral Ph. It takes time for the worms to do their job, but they do it tirelessly.
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allenwrench · Intermediate Crude Joined: Apr 23, 2008 Posts: 859

Thanks for the replies.