Acidic soil

We have to have some pines removed from our lot. They block the sun from the garden,  and with the wild winds this year....it makes me nervous.
I was wondering if there's anything that will grow there. We live in zone 4a in New England.

Hi Janet, welcome to Permies! I think northern highbush blueberries are certainly something to consider for the acidic soil and your climate zone.

Hey Janet,

Potatoes also like acidic soil if you want to have an annual crop. IIRC their preferred range is 5 - 6.5 or thereabouts.

The first thing to do is check that soil's pH, so you know what you are starting with, simple pH papers will do or even a swimming pool water test kit can give you acidic indications when used on water that was mixed with the in question soil and then allowed to settle and pipette the clear water off into the testing tube.

You can plant blueberries or potatoes as James and Jay mentioned or These are also good in acidic soils;
raspberries, goose berries, cucumbers, radishes, sweet potatoes, parsley, peppers, eggplants, rutabaga, parsnip, rhubarb, artichoke, pumpkin, beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and others.

You are only limited by not trying when it comes to the acidic soils, many vegetables not only tolerate the acidity but thrive in a pH of 5.0 to 6.8.
If the soil tests at around 4 you are then going to need to add some lime or gypsum to get it a tad more basic.

Redhawk

Wow! Thank you all. I didn't realize there were so many things that would grow there.
Thank you very much