If you want to jump into the world of gardening, there are several things that you must consider before you begin planting your crops. Some vegetables require different acidity levels (pH) in the soil than others and knowing your specific soil is key. Alkaline soil, sometimes called “sweet soil,” has a higher pH level.

Which veggies grow best in alkaline soil? If you have alkaline soil, here are 35 great veggies, from Asparagus to Yams, that to grow great in that environment:

Asparagus

Beets

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Celery

Carrot

Pole or Runner Beans

Cucumbers

Pumpkins

Summer Squash

Brussel Sprouts

Kale

Garlic

Artichoke

Arugula

Bok Choy

Broccoli

Lettuce

Okra

Spinach

Onion

Turnips

Mustard Greens

Swiss Chard

Broccoli Rabe

Lima Beans

Chives

Collard Greens

Endive

Fennel

Radish

Tomatillo

Cilantro

Corn

Yams

Different types of vegetables require different acidity levels in the soil to reach optimum growth. But those on our list grow well in ranges of alkaline soils. The pH levels of your soil determine what nutrients are available to the plants and how they can be absorbed, it is important that your soil provides for the needs of your plants. Need more information and a little guidance? We’ve got you covered.

What is Alkaline Soil – and What Can I Grow In It?

Before we jump into our list of amazing veggies that grow in alkaline soil, you need to know exactly what this means and if your home has alkaline soil. As mentioned, most vegetables grow best in soil that has a pH or acidity level that is in the neutral range which considered 6.5 to 7.

However, some veggies grow better in soil that falls slightly below that range into the mildly acidic or sour range and some grow well in the higher range which is slightly “sweet” or alkaline range.

Of course, some stronger plants can grow in almost any soil and they do not get directly affected by the soil’s acidity. Leafy greens are a good example of these plants.

These more adaptable plants often require more sunlight and water to make up for the lack of quality soil conditions and ensure proper growth. Many on our list can grow in this wide range of soil environments and can work well in your garden with a little extra help to neutralize the soil.

Before You Grow, Test Your Soil

Unless you are certain the type of soil that you have in your area, you want to start by testing the pH to determine which plants will work best for your soil. There are inexpensive pH soil test kits online that you can purchase, and many larger retailers sell these in their lawn and garden sections during gardening months. Some amazing kits that you can pick up on Amazon and have delivered quickly to your door are:

Lailieu Soil Test Kit 3-in-1 Soil Tester with Moisture,Light and PH Meter

Once you receive your kit, you will want to test in an area that is near where you plan to plant your garden. This will give you the most accurate reading on your soil and guarantee that you know exactly what the soil in the area is reading. Once you have your pH, you will be able to determine if you have acidic, alkaline, or neutral soil.

If your kit shows results of 7.4 or higher, then you have alkaline soil but most readings over 7.0 are more on the alkaline side. On average, any reading at or below 7.0 is ideal for practically any vegetable to grow. As mentioned, many of the plants on our list grow well in alkaline environments but you can alter your soil’s pH if you would like to grow a larger variety.

What Vegetables Like Alkaline Soil?

Once you know for sure if your soil is alkaline, neutral, or more acidic, it is time to start purchasing the vegetables that you want to grow. There are a variety of vegetable options out there that can grow well in alkaline soil, but you want to ensure you provide the environment best for growth. Many on the list require full to partial sunlight and regular watering.

As you will be able to tell, there are several similarities between the veggies that grow best in this pH soil, but you can still get a wide range of crops by planting a variety of these crops. Some alkaline-tolerant veggies you can count on growing are:

1 – Asparagus

Asparagus belongs to the Liliaceae or lily family and is native to Eastern Asia and Europe. This is one plant that has a high tolerance for alkaline soil and can grow well throughout the United States. It may not thrive as well in high temperatures but grows best when planted in full sunlight.

2 – Beets

Beets or Beta vulgaris belong to the Amaranthaceae or Amaranth family and grow in a broad range of climatic conditions. They can grow well in cool to very warm regions and are easy to plant for most gardeners. They grow best in moist, loose soils, and you should plant them in early springtime. You can eat both the red roots that grow in the soil and the leaves are eating in salads.

3 – Cabbage

Cabbage is a member of the mustard or Brassicaceae family. It is often grown in cooler seasons and tolerates alkaline soil well. Most start the cabbage sets indoors in the late winter or plant seeds outdoors in moist soil in the spring through early summer months. For optimum growing, you should always keep the soil moist and rotate any mustard family plants from season to season.

4 – Cauliflower

Similar to cabbage, cauliflower is another member of the mustard family that can be grown well in alkaline soil conditions. Cauliflower is commonly grown in cooler months and grows well in partial shade to full sun. If you need to grow the plant in direct sunlight, tie the leaves together to protect the head of the cauliflower from scorching.

5 – Celery

Celery is a member of the parsley or carrot family and grows best in soil with a 6.8 pH or even higher into the alkaline range. Generally, celery has a long growing season, which can extend from early spring into the fall months. It does require a lot of regular watering to grow properly and grows best in full to partial sun, preferring cooler conditions.

6 – Carrots

A second member of the parsley or Apiaceae family, the carrot normally thrives in pH levels up to 6.8 but can handle alkaline soil conditions well. They do require the soil to be moist and loose, ensuring the soil is well-drained. They grow best in full sun or areas that are in a little bit of shade.

7 – Pole or Runner Beans

Pole and runner beans go by many names and are part of the Fabaceae family or legume family. It is grown both for eating purposes and ornamental reasons, depending on what you would like for your home. They can withstand a large variety of pH soils from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. They require a lot of sunlight to thrive and well-drained soil; with these conditions, they can withstand soils up to 7.5 pH.

8 – Cucumbers

This is one of the most widely cultivated plants in the gourd family and is a creeping vine that bears the cucumiform or cucumber fruits. There are three main types of cucumbers, including slicing, pickling, and seedless, which can all tolerate alkaline soil. Ideally, they grow best in neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 but can handle both more acidic and more alkaline soils with fertility and proper drainage.

9 – Pumpkins

All pumpkins are a member of the winter squash family and a mature fruit of the genus Cucurbita. They are smooth and feature slightly ribbed skin, ranging in colors drastically. You can grow practically any pumpkin species and shade in slightly alkaline soils.

10 – Summer Squash and Crookneck Squash

Summer squash is a squash that is harvested when immature and the rind is still tender, while crookneck squash is known as yellow squash. They are almost all varieties of Cucurbita pepo and can include some pumpkins. The plants are bushy and can grow in mildly alkaline soil with the right conditions.

11 – Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts are a member of the Gemmifera group of cabbages, grown for their edible buds, which look like miniature cabbage, ranging in size from 1.5 to 5 centimeters in diameter. They have been popular in Brussels, Belgium for years and have grown to be more popular internationally. They like sweet or alkaline soils with a pH of at least 6.5 or even higher.

12 – Kale

Kale is a leafy cabbage that is grown for its edible leaves, while some do grow them for ornamental purposes. Kale can come in both green and purple leaves, but central leaves do not form into a head like traditional cabbage plants. It grows best in well-drained and fertile soil that has a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 but can even tolerate slightly more alkaline soil.

13 – Garlic

Garlic is a member of the Allium or onion family and is closely related to other alkaline lovers like onion, shallots, and leeks. Each segment of the garlic bulb is called a clove, and they will have between 10 and 20 cloves per bulb. They grow best at a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 but can grow in even more alkaline soils if needed.

14 – Artichoke

Traditionally, there are globe artichokes that are referred to as French artichokes and green artichokes in the United States. The edible portion of the vegetable consists of the flower buds before the flower actually comes into bloom. They grow best in soil that has a pH ranging from 6.5 to 8.0, allowing them to grow in fairly alkaline soils.

15 – Arugula

This is a peppery, spicy, and slightly tart plant that is great for adding to most salad mixes. The leaves are similar to raw spinach, with a tender leaf and crisper stem. This leafy green is actually similar to spinach when cooked as well. The plant can grow practically anywhere and in a variety of pH soils.

16 – Bok Choy

Another member of the cabbage family, this is a Chinese cabbage that is called bok choy, pak choi, or pok choi. Chinensis varieties do not form heads and have bulbous bottoms with green leaf blades, similar to how mustard greens grow. Bok choy is tolerant to slightly alkaline soils so you will only need to adjust your soil if it is highly alkaline or highly acidic.

17 – Broccoli

Once again, broccoli is an edible green plant that is a member of the cabbage family. This is grown almost identically to cauliflower but comes from the Italian word broccoli which means flowering crest of a cabbage. Similarly, to cauliflower, broccoli can grow fairly well in alkaline environments as long as the other soil conditions are correct.

18 – Lettuce

This is an annual plant of the daisy family Asteraceae and is grown as a leaf vegetable or its stem and seeds. As most know, it is used for salads but can be put in soups, sandwiches, wraps, and much more. Lettuce thrives in neutral to lower level alkaline soils, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5 in pH.

19 – Okra

Okra is a member of the Abelmoschus esculentus family and is also known as ladies fingers or “ochro” in many countries. The plants are grown for their edible green seed pods and are commonly found in West African, Ethiopian, and South Asian cuisines. Okra is an easy plant to grow as it can thrive in soils ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline from 6.5 to 7.5 pH.

20 – Spinach

Once again, another leafy green that can grow well in alkaline soils and is native to central and western Asia. The leaves are commonly eaten in salads fresh or can be cooked, canned, frozen, or even dehydrated. Spinach, similar to beets and chard, actually prefers a neutral to more alkaline soil thriving in 7.0 pH or above.

21 – Onion

Onions are grown as a bulb and is one of the most widely cultivated species of the Allium genus. It is similar to garlic, shallots, leeks, chives, and Chinese onions, which you may also see on this list. The plant grows well in slightly alkaline soil.

22 – Turnips

Another root vegetable, the turnip, is commonly grown in temperate climates worldwide for their white, fleshy taproot. The turnip can be grown in a variety of soils, including slightly alkaline soils.

23 – Mustard Greens

Another leafy green that thrives in alkaline soil, the Brassica juncea or mustard green plant is an easy to grow option for a variety of soils. They can also be called brown mustard, Chinese mustard, Indian mustard, leaf mustard, Oriental mustard, and vegetable mustard, depending on the mustard plant you choose to grow.

24 – Swiss Chard

To add to our list of leafy green options, Swiss Chard or just Chard is grown in leaf stalks. They can grow into large stalks and are often prepared separately from the leaf blade. It is grown best in rich, well-drained and slightly alkaline soils.

25 – Broccoli Rabe

Rapini or broccoli rabe is a green cruciferous vegetable with leaves, buds, and stems that are all edible and resemble traditional broccoli. Differently to traditional broccoli, they do not form a large head and are known for their slightly bitter taste, perfect for Mediterranean cuisine. They prefer well-drained fertile soil that can range in pH from 6.0 to 7.5 or slightly more alkaline.

26 – Lima Beans

These are commonly referred to as lima beans, butter beans, and sieva beans. They are not the same as the beans previously mentioned on our list but are similarly grown and a member of the legume family. They can be grown in neutral to slightly alkaline soils.

27 – Chives

This is another onion family member and area, an edible species of the genus Allium. They are close relatives to many others on the list, including onions, shallots, leeks, scallions, and more. They are a perennial plant that is grown across much of Europe, Asia, and North America.

28 – Collard Greens

Collards refer to certain loose-leafed cultivars of the Brassica oleracea family, the same species as many veggies like cabbage and broccoli. They are very similar to kale and spring greens and are very genetically similar. Like many of the other leafy greens on the list, they grow well in alkaline environments.

29 – Endive

Once again, endives are leaf vegetables that are similar to other bitter, leafed veggies on our list. They are commonly called chicory and include species like radicchio, puntarella, and Belgian endive. These plants grow well in neutral to slightly more alkaline soils.

30 – Fennel

This is a flowering plant that is part of the carrot family and is characterized by a hardy, perennial herb that features yellow flowers and feathery leaves. The plant originated on the shores of the Mediterranean and is now grown across the world. It grows well in naturally dry soils that can be fairly alkaline.

31 – Radish

The radish is another root vegetable that is part of the family Brassicaceae that started in Asia. Radishes are now grown and consumed around the world and are often eaten raw in salads. They pair well with many of the leafy greens on our list and grow fairly well in slightly alkaline soil.

32 – Tomatillo

Unlike other tomatoes, the tomatillo, which is the Mexican husk tomato, can grow well in alkaline soils. The family is a plant of the nightshade family and is small, round, and green or greenish-purple. Tomatillos originated in Mexico but have quickly grown popular around the world, growing well in alkaline soils.

33 – Cilantro

Cilantro is an annual herb that is also known as Chinese parsley and coriander in some areas. Every part of the plant is edible, and the fresh leaves are used in a variety of cooking styles. They grow in a relatively wide range of pH levels from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline.

34 – Corn

Most are familiar with corn, and it is actually a member of the grass family. It is an edible grain that can be grown in practically any area of the United States, perfect for a variety of environments. The plant grows well in a variety of pH soil levels, including those that are mildly alkaline.

35 – Yams

A final root plant on our list of alkaline friendly crops, the yam or sweet potato is an easy to grow vegetable. They grow best in neutral pH soils or can grow well in alkaline soils, depending on what you have in your area.

Flowers that Grow Well in Alkaline Soil

Now that you know more about the vegetables that grow best in alkaline soil, you may want to pick up some flowers that grow well in this soil as well. Some flowers will tolerate slightly alkaline soil more than others, and many shrubs work well in these environments. For your next landscaping project, you may want to pick up a few of these flower options:

Zinnias	Boxwood
Clematis	Heather
Sweet Pea	Phlox
Rock Cress	Echinacea
Baby’s Breath	Salvia
Lavender	Dianthus
Gardenia	Sunflowers
Hydrangea

Fruits That Grow Well in Alkaline Soil

Most fruits grow better in acidic environments, but some can grow in more alkaline soils. If you would like to add some fruits to your garden, there are some that grow better in alkaline pH soils than others. We will also discuss ways you can alter the pH around your home to better grow a variety of plants. However, if you are interested in adding some plants to your garden, great options are:

Alpine Strawberries
Cantaloupe

Watermelon
Cherry
Fig

Changing Your Alkaline Soil

If you want to grow plants other than those on our list, you should do your own research into which soil those particular plants grow best in.

However, it is common that many vegetables and most fruits grow best in more neutral to acidic soils. There are ways that you can change your soil temporarily or working on changing it long term to grow a larger variety of plants.

There are a few ways that you can increase the acidity in your soil easily for better planting. Some popular ways that have proven to be effective are:

Add 1 to 3 ounces of ground rock sulfur per one square yard of soil. If you have sandy soil or have a lot of natural clay, you should add a little less rock sulfur and ensure you mix it well.
Add organic matter like peat moss, composted wood chips, and sawdust to the soil.
Use raised beds for planting more finicky crops that need adjusted soil. This allows you to be in better control of the soil’s pH for these plants.

It is important that you allow any materials you add to sit for a few weeks before testing the soil again. Allow the additives to really blend into the soil. You will want to do a pH test prior to making any changes to your soil and then again afterward. This can help you determine if the changes you are making are actually lowering your pH levels.

While you are in better control of the soil type and levels that go in your raised beds, you do want to continue to test this soil. This is especially true if you have very finicky plants that need specific pH levels. You may need to make small changes to the raised beds to guarantee soil quality.

Try Adding Lemon to Your Soil to Adjust pH

Another easy way to alter the pH of your soil, making it more neutral for proper plant growth, is to add lemon. In areas with slightly alkaline soils, using diluted lemon juice once a month helps keep the pH closer to 7. This can help keep the soil neutral or even slightly acidic for proper plant growth.

To use lemon juice to change soil pH, you will want to avoid pouring the juice onto the plant leaves. This can cause the leaves to shrivel and can compromise the plant’s ability to perform photosynthesis. While great for weeds in your garden, this is not ideal for plants you actually want to grow.

To add lemon juice safely, mix a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice in one gallon of water.
Pour this mixture directly onto the soil, and it should begin to change the pH for the plants.

You want to do this every so often to guarantee the pH is changing as needed and continue to test the soil regularly.

Wrapping up

Alkaline soil can be a friend to many of your favorite vegetables – and even flowers and fruits. But, should you want to grow something that just can’t tolerate a high-pH soil, there are plenty of easy ways to adjust your soil or create a new growing place with fresh, lower-pH to accommodate those plants.

35 Great Veggies to Grow in Alkaline Soil