Lime: In gardening, refers to a type of soil amendment used to raise the pH of acidic soils, making them more alkaline.
Lime is a powdery substance typically made from ground limestone used to sweeten sour soil. When soil becomes too acidic, it can make it difficult for plants to access essential nutrients, even if those nutrients are present. Lime helps to neutralize this acidity, raising the pH and making the soil more hospitable to plant growth.
For home gardeners, lime can be a valuable tool for managing soil pH, especially in areas with naturally acidic soils or where heavy rainfall tends to leach out alkaline minerals. Before applying lime, it’s important to test your soil pH to determine if it’s needed and how much to apply. Different plants have different pH preferences, so it’s also important to choose plants suited to your soil’s pH level. Lime can be applied in various forms, such as granular, pelletized, or hydrated lime, and it’s typically incorporated into the soil in the fall or spring.
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