pH is used in chemistry to describe how acidic or basic (alkaline) a substance is. The pH scale ranges from 0-14 with zero being very acidic and 14 being very basic. The middle of the scale, seven, is neutral being neither acidic nor basic and distilled water is often given as an example of this. See the graphic below to get an idea of were common substances fall on the pH scale.

Chili Peppers:

Pepper plants, like all plants, will only thrive in a relative natural pH in the middle of the scale. Plants in general prefer a pH of between 4.5 and 7.5 depending on the species being grown. This range is not the limits of pH plants can survive in, but rather optimal pH for different plants. A pH between four to nine is generally required for plants to growth among different species.

Most plants will thrive in a slightly acidic soil that ranges from 6-7 on the pH scale, all varieties of pepper plants are included in this group. Pepper plants prefer a slightly acidic soil and will grow nicely in this range with an ideal pH of about being about 6.5.

Blueberry and Azalea plants are acid loving and prefer a soil at the low end of this range with a pH as low as 4.5, but 5 is more toward the middle of their preferred range. This is fairly acidic for many parts of the country and individuals wishing to grow these kinds of plants may find in necessary to lower the pH of their soil. Garden store and home centers generally sell at least one kind of chemical soil acidifier such as Iron Sulfate and Ammonium sulfate, but acidic yard waste such as pine needles and oak leaves can be used as well as coffee grounds and wood ash in moderation.

Eggplants and plants in the cabbage family prefer a soil that is neutral to very slightly basic, with a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5. Above 7.5 the Ph of soil starts to lock up the essential elements iron, manganese, and boron in forms plants cannot absorb and use. Soils with a high pH tend to have a lot of clay, are in low rainfall areas, or are in urban environment close to cement. The Midwest and Southwest are known to have basic soils, but local conditions can negate these regional norms so the only way to be certain is to test your soil's pH. To raise the pH of soil Dolomitic lime is generally preferred because it is slow acting and also contains the essential element magnesium. Agricultural lime and Calcitic lime are also used to raise the pH of soils.

Acidic soils are soils that have a pH of less than 6.5

Alkaline (basic) soils have a pH of more than 7.0

 

Soil acidity affects the way plants grow, beginning with their roots. Acidity inhibits the growth of roots and the absorption of necessary minerals through the root cell walls. This can drastically weaken plants, causing them to grow very slowly or turn yellowish in color. Some plants may have difficulty absorbing nutrients at all in highly acidic soils.

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