Finely crushed limestone has many uses.
Lime from a garden center is either calcitic or dolomitic. Calcitic lime is least expensive and is only calcium carbonate. Dolomitic lime has magnesium carbonate as a natural addition. Adding line to soil to changes the pH balance from acid to alkaline, which is best for grass lawns.
Testing the Lawn
Areas with heavy, yearly rainfall are more likely to need liming because lime is water soluble and leaches from the soil. If your climate averages more than 30 inches of rain a year, it indicates a need to test whether or not lime would be good. Other soils in less rainy areas might also need lime so it is worth testing if you believe your pH balance may be less than optimum. Testing the pH balance of the soil is critical before adding any lime.
Test
Simple home tests available at garden centers are quite accurate if properly used with the instructions. All that is necessary is to add some of the lawn soil to a little water and then wet a prepared paper with the mixture. The color the paper turns tells the pH balance. The soil does not change rapidly so testing ever few years is all that is necessary. If the pH balance is already correct, there is no need to add any lime.
Amount to Add
Add up to 30 lbs. dolomitic lime for every 1,000 square feet of lawn every two to three years if needed. Dig the lime at least 6 inches deep into the soil for a new garden. For existing situations, evenly spread it onto the surface and water it to ensure an even application spread half of the lime one direction across the lawn, and the other half perpendicular to that. A mechanical spreader helps to give an even application.
When to Add
The fall is considered the best time to spread lime, but it can go on the lawn anytime but mid-summer. Lime works quickly so if tests indicate that it is needed, add it immediately -- but at least three weeks after adding fertilizer. Several weeks after adding the lime check the pH balance again so that you know if you added a sufficient amount.
Related posts
What Does Lime Do for Grass?Soil acidityWhen grass grows, it draws minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the soil that help maintain a balanced pH. Every few years, those minerals need to be...
Lime is a lawn's best friend.Lime is an important ingredient in lawn fertilizers because of its ability to neutralize soil pH. By rectifying the soil pH, turf grass will grow faster and fuller. Li...
Lime can raise the pH of soil in lawns.If your turf grass is not looking its best -- it could be because of acidic soil. Agricultural lime, also known as ground limestone, a compound of calcium or...
You love your dog but your dog's urine can be hard on your lawn.If you have dogs, dog urine has undoubtedly damaged your lawn. Dog urine contains ammonia and salts and these are hard on grass. The...
Lime corrects the acidity of soil, allowing vegetables to absorb the nutrients they need to grow.Agricultural lime, also known as ground limestone, is a compound of calcium or calcium and magnesiu...
