Lime or not ?? - Page 2

 


"Wally"  wrote

You only have to lime a plot if the pH is low (acid, that's below pH7) and
you want to grow brassicas which prefer a pH at 7 or slightly above
(alkaline).
Our plot came out at pH5.6 in some places, which is quite acid for soil,
when we took it over so we lime the Brassica plot each year as it rotates
round our allotment to bring the pH up to pH7.
Compost and manure will usually help to make the soil acid too.
Lime has no effect at all on weeds IMO.

--
Regards
Bob Hobden
17mls W. of London.UK

 


The other reason for liming for brassicas is if your ground suffers
from the club root fungus.  The higher pH helps to keep the fungus
under control in conjunction with a club root control root drench.  My
brassicas used to suffer quite badly but the liming/root drench regime
keeps it at bay for me now.

Rob

 

Wally wrote:

Depends whether the weeds are calcifuge (i.e lime haters) or not.
As yours is a new allotment I suggest you invest about a fiver in
a soil testing kit. Mark out a large 'W' and take samples from each
point and test. The pH values may differ in different parts. Then
lime appropriately.Spuds do not like an alkaline soil, cabbages and
cruciferous veg thrive on it.Your kit should give a list, and you can
organize your planting to suit.
Lime sweetens the soil and is a good thing, but not every year.
As for the weeds they are pretty tough otherwise they wouldn't be weeds!
Good Gardening.
Sam.
Sorry to be late but I take a day off on Sundays.