Yes, plants can grow in acidic soil, although the range of plants that thrive decreases as the acidity increases.
While many plants prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH (around 6.0 to 7.0), some plants actually require acidic conditions to flourish. Soil acidity is measured on a pH scale of 1 to 14, where values below 7 are acidic.
Here's a breakdown:
- Slightly Acidic Soil (pH 6.0-6.9): A vast range of plants can grow well in slightly acidic conditions.
- Moderately to Highly Acidic Soil (pH below 6.0): The choice of plants becomes more limited. You'll need to select plants specifically adapted to acidic soil.
Examples of plants that thrive in acidic soil include:
- Acid-loving Plants:
- Azaleas
- Blueberries
- Rhododendrons
- Camellias
- Hydrangeas (certain varieties; soil pH affects flower color)
- Heaths and Heathers
- Certain ferns
If your soil is too acidic for the plants you want to grow, you can amend it by adding lime to raise the pH. Soil testing kits are readily available to help you determine your soil's pH.
