Is Garden Lime Necessary?
“Should I put lime in my garden?” That’s a question many people pose. The truth is that gardeners actually have quite a few incentives to add lime their gardens. Garden lime is equipped with nutrients that can balance garden acidity levels. If you have low yield concerns, then adding lime to your garden may be able to turn things around for you.
If the pH of your soil is too low, it may stop plants from being able to take in the nutrients that are part of the dirt. Lime, however, can elevate soil pH levels. Beyond that, it can encourage the spreading of beneficial bacteria in the dirt, too. It accomplishes this through the introduction of nutrients such as zinc and phosphorus.
Lime can also boost soil alkalinity. The majority of vegetables out there thrive when they grow in soil that’s alkaline. Fortunately, putting lime in soil can enhance alkalinity. Neutral pH levels tend to be suitable for the bulk of vegetables. Consider pH 7. Don’t forget though, that certain vegetables are keen on acid. Parsley is an example. That’s the reason it’s critical to study up on specific vegetables and their needs prior to making decisions about lime additions. Learn more about the Best pH for Garden Soil here.
Lime, finally, can strengthen water penetration. Soil that’s rather acidic can have water penetration that’s less than ideal. If you enhance your dirt’s alkalinity, you make it so that water can introduce hydration to the soil much more smoothly. This hydration can keep many problematic plant drying dilemmas at bay.
When Should I Add Lime to My Garden?
Applying lime does not usually lead to rapid results and changes. That’s the reason autumn lime application tends to be optimal. Make a point to lime your garden right before the growing season stops. If you take this route, you give the soil sufficient time to take in the lime. What else should you do at the end of the gardening season? Find out in this post.
Spring liming is also appropriate. If you opt for springtime liming, go above and beyond to give the nutrients adequate time to travel deep into the soil prior to transplanting seedlings or sowing seeds.
Which Vegetables Do Not Like Lime?
Again, don’t assume that all vegetables respond well to lime, because they don’t. While lettuce, beans, cabbage, onions, spinach and peas appreciate lime, many other vegetables don’t. Chilis, peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and potatoes overall are all examples of vegetables that do not respond well to lime use.
Where Do You Put Lime in a Garden?
You can introduce garden lime to your garden bed by digging to between eight and 12 inches deep. Do this all around the width and length of your garden bed in full. Disperse the substance in a consistent manner on top of the soil. Put the soil you moved back onto the top afterward as well. Rake to roughly two inches deep. Till your soil until you’re able to blend the full amount of the substance in thoroughly.
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