If your garden’s soil is too acidic, your plants will struggle to thrive. To balance your soil’s pH, you can use garden lime. If you’re new to this nifty substance, read on for a quick guide to understanding and using it.
What Is Garden Lime?
Garden lime is a finely crushed limestone product that raises soil pH. It contains calcium carbonate and sometimes magnesium carbonate, both of which reduce soil acidity.
Benefits of Using Garden Lime
Most plants thrive in soil with a relatively neutral pH of 6–7. If your soil has a pH of below 6, it is probably too acidic for your garden to thrive. By adding garden lime to your soil, you can balance the pH and provide the following benefits to your plants:
- improved nutrient availability
- healthier root systems
- better fertilizer efficiency
- encouraged microbial activity
- optimized growing conditions
How To Use Garden Lime in Your Garden
Before you run off to buy a bag of lime, test your soil’s pH and magnesium levels. Home testing kits are readily available and super easy to use. Once you have your soil results in hand, follow these steps.
Choose the Right Lime Type
Most garden centers offer two types of lime: calcitic lime (high in calcium) and dolomitic lime (contains calcium and magnesium). Pick the one your soil needs.
Apply the Correct Amount
Too little lime won’t help, but too much can harm your plants. The right amount to use depends on how much soil you’re treating, the soil’s composition and density, and the type of lime you buy. Check the packaging for application rates or consult a gardening expert.
Spread Evenly
Use a spreader to apply an even layer of lime across your garden.
Till or Water It In
For best results, work the lime into the top few inches of soil or water it in. Lime can take weeks or even months to change the soil’s pH, so apply it well before planting.
A Quick Safety Tip
While lime is a natural product, the fine powder can irritate your lungs. It’s a good idea to wear a respirator mask when spreading lime to protect yourself, especially if it’s a windy day. Gloves and glasses are also good things to use.
When To Add Lime to Your Garden
Timing matters when applying garden lime. As we mentioned, the substance can take a while to affect your garden’s soil. Typically, the best time to introduce lime is in the fall or winter since this lets the lime break down and adjust the soil pH before spring planting.
If your garden struggles with acidic soil or magnesium deficiency, lime could be the key to giving your plants a boost. With this guide to understanding and using garden lime, you can confidently introduce it to your plants and strive for the thriving garden of your dreams!
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