Acid soils and growing vegetables. Which prefer acid or lime?

Soil Acidity affects different vegetables in different ways. It is a good idea to know the ph level of your soil if you want success with your vegetables - and other garden plants.

Most soils in the UK - especially if long cultivated - as slightly acid. There are exceptions such as the Downs and other limestone areas.

Most vegetable crops will live in a slightly acid soil.

There are exceptions - of course!Vegetables for Acid and Neutral Soils

Beans - all types - Brussels Sprouts, Cucumbers, Marrows, Courgettes, Parsley, Parsnips, Peas, Radish, Swede, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes and Turnips.

Vegetables for Alkaline Soils

Asparagus, Beetroot, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Celery, Leeks, Lettuce, Onions and Spinach.

Vegetables for the more Acid Soil

Potatoes, Rhubarb.

Acid soils can be remedied quiet easily with applications of lime. Not so for Alkaline soils. Very difficult to change. Though heavy applications of rotted organic matter can help to offset the problem - as can applications of sulphurous compounds - if you know what you are doing!