While “adding some lime” may sound like a recipe for a margarita, gardeners in the Northeast know lime can be an important tool for improving soil and preparing gardens for spring.
In areas such as Rockland, Bergen and Orange counties, frequent rainfall can contribute to naturally acidic soil. Lime, which is made from ground limestone, helps raise soil pH and make acidic soil more neutral, allowing plants to better absorb essential nutrients.
Gardeners should test their soil before applying lime to determine whether it is needed and how much to use. Soil with a pH below 6.5 may benefit from lime, and inexpensive test kits are available at garden centers.
Why Apply Lime in the Fall?
Fall is considered a good time to apply lime in the Northeast because it gives the product several months to react with the soil before spring planting.
Two common types are granular lime, which works slowly and is often used on lawns and vegetable beds, and hydrated lime, which acts more quickly and is generally used for spring applications or new gardens.
According to Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Garden Center, lime helps neutralize soil acidity, allowing plants to absorb nutrients more effectively.
Lime can be spread on lawns with a spreader or applied by hand to garden beds. It should then be worked into the top four to six inches of soil and watered. Gardeners should avoid applying lime and fertilizer at the same time because the products can react negatively.
Soil pH can be tested again in the spring to determine whether additional adjustments are needed.
For gardeners across Rockland, Bergen and Orange counties, fall offers an opportunity to improve soil now and help create healthier, more productive landscapes when the growing season returns.
Down to Earth Living Garden Center also offers gardening advice and encourages customers to bring photos of their gardens or outdoor spaces when seeking recommendations on plants, containers and landscaping projects.