What does garden lime do

The capacity of lime to sweeten the ground to which it is applied also makes it useful for battling outdoor pet odors. But do not let all of this talk of sweetness lull you into a false sense of security. Garden lime is not a product to be used indiscriminately. It is a useful substance when used properly, but it is also possible to misuse it and cause harm to your plants.

When your plants' leaves don't produce enough chlorophyll, they may develop chlorosis, which can cause your your plants to lose their rich green coloring. Chlorosis inhibits a plant's ability to produce carbohydrates through photosynthesis and may die if left untreated. The majority of landscape plants grow best in soils that range in pH levels from 5. Some plants like to grow in soil that has a low pH level: here are some examples of plants that like acidic soils. Conversely, there are other plants that perform well in soil that has a higher pH.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Iron Chlorosis. Utah State University. University of Illinois Extension. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Soil pH preferences can vary by region, yet most grasses like a pH of 5. The nutrients lawn grasses need the most, such as nitrogen, remain accessible from fertilizer when pH levels are inside the desired ranges. However, even many nutrients are restricted when the pH strays too much in either direction. Lime for lawns restores pH equilibrium for acidic soil.

Plants that thrive in acidic soil replace lawn grasses when the soil becomes too acidic. For example, lawn moss shows a pH too low for vigorous grass growth.

An increase in regular lawn weeds, diseases, and pests are also warning indicators. Many weeds prefer acidic soil, and low pH can reduce herbicide and insecticide efficacy. Find the Best Soil Test Kit. When soil is too acidic, annually test until the levels are restored. The lime or other items you add to the soil might change the pH. Heavy rainfall naturally leaches calcium from the soil, and soil pH decreases because of calcium loss, making soils acidic.

Also, regular lawn care can naturally decrease soil pH. Regular fertilization, irrigation, and increased beneficial bacteria activity can all contribute to typical pH reductions. You ought to lime lawns in the fall or spring. Rain, snow, and freezing and thawing cycles help lime break down and start working in the fall.

Traditional lime takes months to alter soil pH and create healthy soil significantly. The amount of lime your lawn need will depend on the soil type and existing pH. Keep in mind that allowable amounts vary by soil type. For example, clay soil requires far more lime than sandy soil. Calcitic lime or dolomitic lime is used in the manufacture of lime. Calcitic lime is the favored form because it provides additional plant benefits.

Calcitic lime products include agricultural ground limestone, pulverized limestone, and pelletized limestone. While both crushed and pelletized lime swiftly adjusts the pH of the soil, lime pellets are the most convenient to use. Pulverized limestone is a dusty material to add to your lawn.

Yellow grass could show that your lawn has been overly limed, but there could be another reason for the problem. Without lime, lawn grasses may be unable to benefit from the nutrients in your soil, including those you add through fertilizers. By understanding how lime helps lawns and why you may need lime, you can help your lawn reach its full potential. The following questions and answers can help guide you through that process, so you can lime your lawn confidently: What is lime?

Why apply lime? How do I know when my lawn needs lime? Why is soil testing important? Why does soil pH keep changing? What's the best time to apply lime? How much lime should I apply, and what's the most effective way to apply it?