How to Use Lime on Centipede Grass
Centipede grass is a warm weather grass originally grown in Asia and now found mostly in the southeastern portion of the United States. The popularity of centipede as a lawn grass stems from the plant's ability to thrive in the sandy, acidic soil found in certain areas of the country and it has a generally low level of maintenance. If centipede grass appears yellow or wilted, conduct a soil test on the lawn. The soil may be too acidic, and require the use of lime. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Soil test kit
- Measuring tape
- Powdered or fine ground lime
- Lawn spreader
- Garden hose with adjustable spray nozzle
Instructions
-
-
1
Conduct a soil test. A testing kit can be obtained at garden supply stores or most local cooperative extension offices. Take soil samples and send them to a laboratory following the instructions on the kit.
-
2
Wait until fall or early spring, just before or just after the centipede grass is growing before adding lime. Adding powdered lime to growing grass can burn it.
-
-
3
Calculate the rough square footage of your yard using a measuring tape and use the recommendations provided by the soil test results to figure out how much lime is needed. For example, if the test results say to add 40 lbs. of lime per 1,000 square feet of land, and your yard is roughly 2,000 square feet, you'll need 80 pounds of lime. A 500 square foot yard would only need 20 lbs. of lime.
-
4
Pour the lime into a lawn spreader. Use a low setting to avoid dispensing the lime too quickly. Spread the lime evenly over the yard.
-
5
Set a garden hose to a gentle spray setting. Moisten the area to work the lime into the soil.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If the soil requires more than 40 lbs. of lime per 1,000 square feet, spread the lime over two sessions spaced at least a week apart.
