What soil pH tomatoes need

Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil, with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8, and some guidance narrows the ideal soil solution pH to 6.2–6.5.

The pH: A soil pH of 6.2 to 6.8 (slightly acidic), with the soil solution pH ideally 6.2–6.5.

Tomatoes, along with peppers and eggplant, prefer a soil solution pH of 6.2–6.5.
A soil test is the best way to determine lime and fertilizer needs.
Before applying acid, your water supply should be tested for both pH and alkalinity.
Refining a specific acid dosage requires a temperature-compensating digital pH meter using two-point calibration.

The mistake to avoid: Don't guess lime or fertilizer amounts without a soil test; a rule of thumb is 2½ pounds of a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 (or the equivalent) per 100 square feet of garden area.

Soil pH varies by site; a soil test through your local extension office is the closest authority.

Grounded in: extension.psu.edu, extension.unh.edu. Every window and number follows sentences verified verbatim on those pages.

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