Some gardeners sprinkle lime every year, others not at all. The middle ground is liming as needed after measuring the pH of the soil. The weather plays just as much a role in the application of lime as the right time and the choice of the right lime fertilizer. Because lime alone cannot always drive out the moss in the lawn, sometimes it is even promoted.
Why lime lawns
The cause of increased moss growth can be over-acidic soil. But it is not necessarily the reason. Therefore, the pH value of the soil should be determined from time to time. If this is in the alkaline range (i.e. above 7) then the soil is not acidic and does not need lime. The cause of moss growth must therefore be looked for elsewhere.
Acid soil
If the pH is below 6, the soil is acidic. In addition to moss, other weeds also grow on the green area as indicators of acidity. The blades of grass, however, limit their growth. Before the lawn is limed, it should not be fertilized. This would only encourage the weeds to grow.
Pointer plants for acidic soil:
- Dog chamomile
- Little sorrel
- Farm mustard
- Hasenklee
- Wood sorrel
- Field horsetail
- Honorary award
Suitable pH values for good lawn growth:
- Clay soils not below 6.5
- Sandy loamy soils not below 6
- Loamy sand not below 5.5
The right moment
Basically, the lawn can be limed at any time. However, it works best when the stalks are just beginning to grow, i.e. in spring. This is also the time when green spaces are ventilated. Good scarification is a prerequisite for successful liming.
Note: If the lime could not be applied in spring, liming can also take place in autumn.
The right weather
Rain and wind are ruled out from the start. Especially when using fine lime, wind is very counterproductive, as the lime is blown away everywhere and rarely lands on the lawn. Dry weather is well suited for lawn care, but so that it does not have to be watered artificially afterwards, should rain be announced in the next few days. With the help of the water, the lime gets into the soil and neutralizes it. During the liming
if the sky is overcast, direct sunlight could damage the roots.The right lime
In addition to normal carbonate or quicklime, there are also various lime fertilizers on the market. Rock flour is also suitable for lawns. In addition to lime, it also supplies the grass with other necessary minerals.
- Garden lime In addition to carbonate of lime, it contains more or less magnesium, suitable for medium and light soils, to be applied in autumn or winter
- Rock flour and Algae lime additionally contain minerals in different compositions and amounts, effect unfolds slowly, application possible at any time
- Quicklime and slaked lime, for heavy and medium-heavy soils in agriculture, highly corrosive, be careful when handling
- Limestone marl, in addition to lime up to 30% clay, particularly suitable for improving sandy soils
Maintenance liming and liming
If the guide value is only just undercut, it is sufficient if the lawn is limed about every 2 - 3 years with a dosage of about 150 grams per square meter. This means that the pH value remains stable and the soil does not become acidic any further. If the determined pH value is well below the guide value, it is necessary to carry out a larger amount of limescale. Depending on the type of soil, the amount is between 250 grams (sandy soils) and 500 grams (clay soil). So that the load on the lawn area does not become too great, the lime application is divided over two dates. It is best to do them 6 months apart.
Tip: In addition to this dosage, the
the respective information on the packaging of the lime fertilizer may be helpful. Too much does more harm than too little.Instructions for using lime fertilizer
1. If you take a closer look, you can order a soil analysis from a soil laboratory. Otherwise, a simple pH test from a gardening specialist is sufficient. It is carried out according to instructions and the pH value is determined.
2. The appropriate lime or lime fertilizer is selected. Coarse-grained lime fertilizers are well suited.
3. The right weather is awaited. No lawn fertilizer is used before liming and the lawn area is thoroughly scarified. If the grass has already started to grow, it can be mowed again.
4. The lime is spread by hand or with a spreader. Wear gloves so that lime and skin do not come into contact.
5. If the lawn is not evenly limed in places, a rake can be used to help.
6. If no rain is expected, it is now watered thoroughly. The lime is drawn into the soil.
7. There should be a four-week break before the next use of lawn fertilizer. The blades of grass should have grown noticeably.
8. Be careful with alkaline soils, then the pH value (above 7) is too high and lime should not be added.
Pointer plants:
- Nettle
- Dead nettle
- Shepherd's purse
9. At the beginning of each new growing season, the pH value is determined and only limed when necessary.
10. If the moss in the lawn is not decreasing, but maybe even increasing, it should no longer be limed, but other causes must be taken into account.
11. In addition to adding lime, sanding the lawn is helpful. Sand loosens the soil layer and helps to remove compacted soils.
