Veggies need soil with a pH of between 5 and 7, closer to 5. That level allows the needed micro nutrients (manganese, copper, iron, etc.) to enter the plants and help them produce. If your level is far above or below this range, your plants are going to have trouble getting these essentials. In Florida we have generally high pH levels because of the amount of limestone in our soils.
My soil? Almost a 9.
What can I do? Well, according to many sources, not much. The most common application is elemental sulfur, which will change the pH, but over time. Another suggestion was sphagnum peat moss, but since my level is so high, it would take a lot of peat.A home remedy suggested to me was adding used coffee grounds to the garden. I don't drink coffee, so I ran down to the local Starbucks and was delighted to find they will package up used coffee grounds for you free of charge! So, I have sprinkled grounds into the tomato and bean beds to see how they respond, and I coated the ground around my blueberries. I hope it makes them happy!
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