Alkaline soil is also commonly referred to as “sweet soil”. It is a soil type that has a pH of higher than 7 thus making it alkaline. These kind of soils contain large amounts of calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Alkaline soil contains low to non-existent amounts of nutrients which causes growth and nutritional deficiency in the plants.
Alkaline soil is most common in dry areas, deserts or in some wood areas. The territories that receive less rainfall or are dense in forests are more likely to have alkaline soil. The alkalinity of the soil might also increase if any matter that contains lime is added to it. Alkaline soils usually contain limestones or chalk.
Due to not giving the proper nutrients to the plants, it is not a favored soil-type to use for plantation and growing different products. However, there are some plants that like alkaline soil and they grow in it. Let’s look at the list.
5 Main Plants that like Alkaline Soil
Herbs that Like Alkaline Soil
There are many herbs that like alkaline soil. They thrive in this kind of environment so if you have an alkaline soil at your home, just think about planting these plants.
One of the most popular herbs all around the world is lavender. Lavender is preferred for its outstanding aroma but also for its beautiful purple flowers. It can be used for many purposes such as skin-care products and aromatherapy. Lavender loves alkaline soil and grows without any disruption in this kind of environment.
Parsley is another popular herb that grows in alkaline soil. Parsley is useful for any dish that we want to add some flavor too. It can also be placed in plates as decorative items.
Another preferred herb is oregano which is also added to dishes to add flavor. Additionally, by planting it in your garden, it can keep pests and diseases away from other plants in the garden. Oregano loves alkaline soil and they can bear very drought environments too.
Vegetables that Like High Alkaline Soil
Believe it or not, there are vegetables that thrive in the environment of alkaline soil. If you have a garden with alkaline soil and you are a huge lover of home-produced vegetables, here are the main vegetables that like high alkaline soil.
Asparagus is one of them. People love asparagus for the many nutrients they provide. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and folic acid. All of these improve the overall health of our body. Asparagus can be planted and grows in alkaline soil. It actually prefers a soil with a pH up to 8.
Beans are another vegetable that love alkaline soil. However, they do not prefer very high alkaline soil. The ideal pH for their growth is around 7.5. Beans are great providers of proteins for our body which maintains the strength and health of our body.
Garlic is another vegetable that likes alkaline soil with a pH up to 8. They provide high amounts of vitamin C which strengthens our immune system.
Fruit Trees for Alkaline Soil
Not a lot of fruit trees grow in alkaline soil. Most of them prefer and thrive in acidic soil. The main reason is that alkaline soil does not provide enough nutrients for fruit trees to grow. Thus, the number of fruit trees for alkaline soil use is very low.
Ornamental cherry is one of the fruit trees that prefers alkaline soil. These offer one of the most spectacular views for the spring time if decided to plant.
In some cases, even raspberries and blackberries also can thrive in alkaline soil. However, this may not always be successful.
Flowers that Love Alkaline Soil
A lot of flowers belong to the plants that like alkaline soil. Lilac is one of these. Its gorgeous purple flowers and heart-shaped leaves will ensure a beautiful landscape if you plant it in your garden.
The flower known as the Jacob’s ladder also loves alkaline soil. The beautiful blue color of the Jacob’s ladder will brighten up your garden.
Lily of the valley flower thrives in alkaline soil. Apart from their beautiful sight, they release pleasing scent in the garden.
Shrubs that Love Alkaline Soil
The biggest category of the plants that like alkaline soil are shrubs or, in their other name, bushes. Bushes provide a beautiful view in your garden or yards. They are also very easy to maintain.
Spindle is a bush that gives an amazing view during the autumn season. The flowers are of purple color. After some time, the leaves fall and only the flowers remain which gives a spectacular view. Spindle also loves alkaline soil.
Sumac bushes are also alkaline soil lovers. Sumac bushes originate from North America but can also be found in different parts of the world. They can provide either evergreen views or differing color views as well. They are loved since they give a beautiful view to the homes.
Tree peonies are much desired for their unique flowers and leaves. They also thrive in alkaline soil which extends the list of plants that love alkaline soil. You can plant them if you want your garden to be unique-looking.
Conclusion
Whenever you decide you want to plant anything in your garden, it is always good to check out the pH value of the soil. This is because soil can be alkaline or acidic and some plants simply cannot grow in some types of soils. Alkaline soil is dry and poor in nutrition thus it makes it is not preferred by many plants. The reason is that it does not provide nutrients for growth of the plants.
However, not all plants die in alkaline soil. There are some plants that like alkaline soil and they grow in a healthy way. Such plant categories include herbs, vegetables, fruit trees, flowers and shrubs. Therefore, even if you have alkaline soil at your home, you still have many opportunities to produce plants at home. These can either provide you with herbs that flavor your meals to bushes that make a spectacular view at your home.
