Growers guide of plants suitable for acid soil conditions

The plants listed will thrive in acidic soil conditions. The list is intended merely as a guide to avoid costly mistakes. A plant which does not like acid soil will not die overnight and will often take several years to succumb, during which time its flower and foliage will deteriorate. But, the degree of acidity of the soil in which it is planted, will determine the extent and rapidity of its demise.

The soil acidity at Winsford Walled Garden ranges between a pH of 5.5 and 7.0 (neutral). Yet we can grow several Syringa/Lilac (which does not like acid soil) by choosing the correct location. Fortunately, a great number of plants appear almost indifferent to the pH of a soil if the soil is around about the 7.0 pH (neutral) mark.

The most convenient method of checking whether your soil is acidic is to obtain a hand-held electronic sensor from your garden centre. Once armed with such a device you can plunge the probe into any area and discover its pH.