Vegetable Gardening & Soil pH

Vegetables’ Preferred pH Range

Vegetables prefer a soil pH range of 5.8 to 6.3. However, if soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.0, there is no need to adjust pH. If your soil pH is within the recommended range to grow vegetables, do not apply lime.  

Resources

See this link for the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide. The Guide has helpful information about vegetables such as when to plant (Table 1) and recommended varieties (Table 2). 

In Central Florida, pumpkins should be planted mid-July. UF recommends these varieties: Big Max, Connecticut Field, Prizewinner, Jack Be Little, Jack O Lantern and calabaza.

Soil Testing for pH

Samples may be submitted to the Hillsborough County Extension office or to the UF lab in Gainesville. The cost is $3.00 per sample. Contact our office for questions about other soil tests. 

If your soil pH is within the recommended range for vegetables, you don’t need to add lime. Vegetables grow in a soil pH range of 5.5 – 7.0.