Amend acidic soil with lime to grow neutral or alkaline favoring plants.
Acidic soil is the bane of gardeners trying to raise plants that require neutral or alkaline soil pH levels. Most flowers, vegetables and turf grasses need more balanced pH levels and grow in a weakened state when planted in acidic soil. They may fail to grow at all in more severe cases. Fortunately, gardeners and scientists have realized that adding set amounts of limestone to acidic soil can quickly increase pH levels, making the ground more hospitable for other plant types.
Instructions
1. Conduct a soil test to determine the soil type and current pH level of the soil. Check garden supply centers for soil test kits, or see if the local cooperative extension offers the service. Wait for the test results before continuing.
2. Select a type of agricultural lime to use in the soil. Calcitic or dolomatic lime are two of the most popular choices, with the University of Minnesota recommending dolomatic lime for its slow-release properties. Avoid hydrated lime, which changes the soil's pH much faster than typical lime but carries a much higher risk of "burning" the soil and making it unsuitable for plant life.
3. Till the soil to a depth of 1 foot.
4. Layer the lime evenly over the tilled soil. Consult the soil test results and the lime's labeling to determine the amount of lime that is appropriate to add to the area.
5. Till the soil once more to work the lime into the ground.
6. Water the soil deeply after applying lime, but avoid saturating the soil to the point that water pools on the surface.
7. Test the soil the following year to determine the effectiveness of the amendment. Add more lime if needed.
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