The Lime Grass Treatment
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. Does this Spark an idea?
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Testing the Lawn
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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.
How to Test
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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.
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Amount to Add
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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
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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.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Limestone image by Pamela Uyttendaele from Fotolia.com
