PH for tomatoes

[ctpumpkin]

Anyone know the ideal soil ph for tomatoes. My soil currently has a ph of around 6.9

[fischer1611]

Tomatoes like the soil a little acidic. Ive read anything from 5.8-6.8. I keep mine at about 6.5 and they seem to do really well.

[Dan in Ct]

Hi Ray,
I have read anywhere from 5.5-8.0 for pH for tomatoes. pH is important because plant nutrients are easier to access at certain values. The good news is that organic gardening allows plant nutrients to be accessible at a broader pH range with less chance of them being leeched out of the soil. Here is a website for the chart. You will be able to see how at certain values a broad spectrum of plant nutrients are readily available.

http://www.savingourseeds.org/pdf/nu...ailability.pdf

Here are a few websites from different Universities explaining either growing vegetables or specifically tomatoes and ideal pH.

http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/BUL/BUL0864.pdf

http://extension.unh.edu/resources/r...609_Rep631.pdf

http://extension.missouri.edu/public...b.aspx?P=G6461

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-26.pdf

http://www.extension.org/pages/13419...getable-garden

In reading the information you may find tips and tricks to get your tomatoes to grow a little bit bigger. If your state university isn't listed I am sure your state land grant university will have some helpful hints and fact sheets specific to your area, just google ag extension for your area.

[ctpumpkin]

Thanks for the info Dan. A lot of good reading here. Appreciate the help!

[Dan in Ct]

Hi Ray,
You're welcome. I do think pH and micronutrients are two major factors in the taste of a tomato and why two people can grow the same variety and have contrasting opinions. I think I will sow tomato seeds this weekend and it is what I consider the beginning of my gardening season.