Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Most landscape plants like the soil pH:

1. Slightly acidic

2. Strongly acidic

3. Slightly alkaline

4. Strongly alkaline

The correct answer is: Slightly acidic

Most landscape plants thrive in slightly acidic soil conditions, usually within a pH range of about 6.0 to 6.8. This range is optimal for nutrient availability, allowing plants to absorb essential minerals effectively. In slightly acidic soils, elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are more soluble and accessible to plants, which enhances their growth and overall health. While some plants can tolerate or even prefer more alkaline or strongly acidic conditions, the majority of common landscape plants, including many flowering shrubs and ornamental trees, demonstrate improved growth and vigor in slightly acidic soils. This preference is largely due to the biological and chemical reactions occurring within the soil, which are influenced by pH levels. As such, maintaining a slightly acidic pH in garden and landscape settings is crucial for the health of a wide variety of plant species.