How Much Lime to Put on a Vegetable Garden

Most vegetable plants prefer a slightly acidic soil, so lime treatment may be needed.

Lime raises the soil pH and corrects acidic soil problems. Most vegetables prefer a slightly acidic soil, ranging from 6.0 to 6.8, according to Ohio State University Extension. If you have acidic soil, lime may be needed to achieve an acceptable pH for your garden.

Soil Testing

A routine soil test performed by your local extension office or another agency will report the pH of your garden soil. In addition, the test will recommend any lime applications needed to raise the pH to a productive level. Apply lime in accordance with soil test results, recommends Ohio State University Extension.

Amount

Dolomitic and ground limestone are slow-acting liming agents, and applications should not exceed 50 lbs. per 1,000 square feet of garden. If your soil test indicates that more is needed, the amount should be divided in half and applied twice during the year. Pelletized limestone acts faster and should not exceed 50 lbs. per 1,000 square feet in a single application.

Applying Lime

Mix lime into the soil whenever possible, such as before planting your garden for the season, advises the University of Florida IFAS Extension. If your garden is already planted, and you need to make a lime application, spread the lime on top of the soil and water it. Incorporating lime into a planted vegetable garden may damage plant roots.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Fertilizing Vegetable Garden Soils
• Ohio State University Extension: Lime and the Home Lawn
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Soil pH and the Home Landscape or Garden