How much Lime do I need?The amount of lime needed to raise your pH level is determined by your soil test report. First you must know what the pH level required by the plants you intend to grow. For lawns that is typically 6.5 to 7.0.With your soil test report in hand, find what the reading is for Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). For example, let's say that your CEC is 6.7 (round it up) Look at 7 on the chart below, the Optimal Ca level is 910. Now subtract the figure for Ca on your soil test report from 910. Take this number and multiply it by 4. Now, divide it by 43 to find how many pounds per 1,000 square feet. (so if you have 3,000 square feet of growing area, then you'll use 3 times the amount). Soil CEC/ Optimal Ca Level (ppm) 30/ 3900 29/ 3770 28/ 3640 27/ 3510 26/ 3380 25/ 3250 24/ 3120 23/ 2990 22/ 2860 21/ 2730 20/ 2600 19/ 2470 18/ 2340 17/ 2210 16/ 2080 15/ 1950 14/ 1820 13/ 1690 12/ 1560 11/ 1430 10/ 1300 9/ 1170 8/ 1040 7/ 910 6/ 708 5/ 650 4/ 520
If your findings indicate that you are going to need to use over 90 pounds per 1,000 square feet, then you need to split up the material into two applications with at least three months between. The more Lime you need to add the longer it is going to take for your soil chemistry to come into balance. For this reason look for a micronized lime product which will be absorbed faster than powdered lime and a lot less messy. For lawns you can help correct pH deficiencies in the short term by using liquid lime as a foliar application to your lawn.
Return from Lime to pH level
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Bokashi Buckets
This Fall I have been working on some new raised beds for use this coming Spring. They have provided a convenient spot to put all those leaves falling off the maple tree.Earlier this year I began using Bokashi Buckets to recycle all our kitchen waste. I always thought it was a shame that I couldn't do something constructive with all the orange peels we generate in our household. Bokashi Buckets have provided a perfect solution and a great way to build soil in the raised beds all throughout the winter. Bokashi Buckets are a great alternative to composting, especially in the winter months.
Read more about Fall activities over at the
Organic Gardening Blog.