If you’ve got acidic soil, this inexpensive crushed rock product is your friend.
Here’s what it’s crucial that you know to make the most of it.
When you add lime, you reduce the acidity of the soil (andincrease the pH).
Credit: Helin Loik-Tomson/Getty Images
When your soil is too acidic, plants dont get the nutrients they need to grow.
The use of lime to neutralize acidity in the soil dates back 2,000 years to Roman agriculture.
Here’s what you should probably know about using garden lime to ensure your plants thrive.
What Is Garden Lime?
There are different types of lime, and not all are meant forlandscaping purposes.
Lime intended for garden use is labeled as “garden lime” or “dolomitic lime.”
Made from ground-up rock, limestone, or dolomite, lime is high in calcium.
Dolomitic lime differs from garden lime in that it contains magnesium, in addition to calcium.
Lime makes soilsless acidic, raising the pH level.
Does My Soil Need Lime?
Acidic Soil
Soil with a pH of 5.5 or below is considered acidic.
These are the soils that can benefit from garden lime.
As the lime raises the soil’s pH level, plant roots arebetter able to absorb nutrientsfrom the soil.
Generally, state Cooperative Extension offices provide comprehensive soil tests at reasonable prices.
How Much Lime Should I Add?
Your soil test should tell you exactly how much (if any) lime toadd to your soil.
If the soil test indicates an acidic pH and reveals low magnesium levels, add dolomitic lime.
If magnesium levels are in the acceptable range, add garden lime.
When Is the Best Time to Add Lime?
If possible, add lime in the fall.
In addition, the freeze/thaw cycle helps mix lime into the soil.
Use pelletized lime and a fertilizer spreader to add it to anestablished garden bedor lawn.
Water the garden or lawn well to move the lime into the soil.
You should test your soil every few years or so to determine if you gotta add lime again.
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Fisher, Sue.
What is garden lime?BBC Gardeners World Magazine.
Soil Acidity and Liming: Basic Information for Farmers and Gardeners.
North Carolina State Extension.
