Alkaline Soil: A Guide for Gardeners
What is Alkaline Soil?
Soil pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the soil is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while a pH below 7 is acidic and a pH above 7 is alkaline. Alkaline soil has a high pH, typically between 7.5 and 8.5.
Causes of Alkaline Soil
Alkaline soil can occur naturally, but it can also be caused by human activities, such as adding too much lime or other soil neutralizers.
Problems with Alkaline Soil
Alkaline soil can make it difficult for plants to absorb nutrients, which can lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and poor yields.
Adjusting Soil pH
If you have alkaline soil, you can adjust the pH by adding sulfur, peat moss, sawdust, or aluminum sulfate. However, it is important to test the soil pH regularly and follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
Plants for Alkaline Soil
If you don’t want to adjust the pH of your soil, you can plant species that are tolerant of alkaline conditions. Some good choices include:
Trees:
- Silver Maple
- Buckeye
- Hackberry
- Green Ash
- Honey Locust
- Ironwood
- Austrian Pine
- Burr Oak
- Tamarisk
Shrubs:
- Barberry
- Smoke Bush
- Spirea
- Cotoneaster
- Panicle Hydrangea
- Hydrangea
- Juniper
- Potentilla
- Lilac
- Viburnum
- Forsythia
- Boxwood
- Euonymus
- Mock Orange
- Weigela
- Oleander
Annuals/Perennials:
- Dusty Miller
- Geranium
- Yarrow
- Cinquefoil
- Astilbe
- Clematis
- Coneflower
- Daylily
- Coral Bells
- Honeysuckle Vine
- Hosta
- Creeping Phlox
- Garden Phlox
- Salvia
- Brunnera
- Dianthus
- Sweet Pea
Herbs/Vegetables:
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Oregano
- Asparagus
- Sweet Potato
- Okra
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Celery
Tips for Gardening with Alkaline Soil
- Choose plants that are tolerant of alkaline conditions.
- Add organic matter to the soil to help improve drainage and water retention.
- Water plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize plants regularly with a fertilizer that is formulated for alkaline soils.
- Avoid using fertilizers that contain phosphorus, as this can make the soil even more alkaline.
Conclusion
Alkaline soil can be a challenge for gardeners, but it is possible to grow beautiful and healthy plants in this type of soil. By following the tips in this article, you can create a thriving garden that will bring you joy for years to come.
