Moss is the enemy of every lawn and therefore no gardener likes it. Lime is an effective remedy for unwanted mosses.
What is sod lime?
From a chemical point of view, the frequently discussed lawn limes are in the vast majority of cases so-called calcium carbonate with the formula CaCO3. One speaks here of so-called "mild" lime products, since calcium carbonate corresponds exactly to the substance as it occurs in nature. Artificial products are far more reactive due to other compounds, but are rarely used on lawns.
What does lime do?
Calcium carbonate has strong alkaline properties. This means that it is able to change the pH value of the soil in the direction of the basic values. Depending on the nature of the soil and the product used, the intensity of the effect and thus the amount of lime required varies.
The effect against moss
But why does liming work so well against moss? These unwanted
Spore plants thrive particularly well on moist, acidic soils. Although mosses do not explicitly prefer acidic soils, these frugal plants also thrive here. Lawn plants, on the other hand, can only cope with slightly acidic soils around a pH value of 6 or a maximum of 5.5. If the value falls further, the grass withers and mosses can prevail. Lime is able to raise the pH value back to the optimal value for lawns.ATTENTION: Liming does not kill mosses! It simply returns the soil to a pH range suitable for lawn plants!
The right time for lawn lime
Basically, you can lime all year round. However, it is recommended to carry out the measure in spring when growth begins. You can take action against the moss at an early stage, the lawn has good prerequisites for rapid recovery and the spring rainfall promotes the action of the lime.
Suitable limes
Basically every product is with
Calcium carbonate as content suitable to raise the pH value. However, some products that are not specifically designed for the lawn are very reactive and damage the plants. Avoid experiments and only use special products for lawns.Application forms for lime on lawns
Analogous to lime sludge etc. In theory, sod lime could also be used as an aqueous solution. However, the practical distribution as a powder is much easier and even possible without complex equipment. In addition, lime solution adheres to the leaves and only reaches the actual soil after intense downpours or watering.
This is how lawn lime is used
Now that you know about the effects of lime, you can use it correctly in your own garden as follows:
Step 1 - scarifying
Before the actual liming, you should scarify your lawn to remove any existing moss. To return the area to a state from which the lawn plants can recover and develop:
- Mow the lawn as usual and collect grass clippings
- Drive the scarifier over the lawn in straight lanes
- Carry out a new drive across the first drive
- Pick up and dispose of loosened lawn thatch and moss
Step 2 - determine the amount of lime
So that you get the right one
If you use the amount of lawn lime, you must first determine the existing soil pH value and then calculate the required amount of calcium carbonate:- Determine the pH value by using pH test strips in accordance with the instructions
- Calculate the need for the increase from the actual and target value (for lawns between 7.5 and 6), e.g. B. from determined 5 to target value 6 = increase by 1.0
- Calculate the required quantity according to the information provided by the lime manufacturer, e.g. B. 50 grams per 0.1 pH increase and square meter = 1.0 / 0.1 = 10 x 50 grams = 500 grams per square meter required
Step 3 - liming
Now apply your natural pH value lifter to the area to be processed:
- Lime evenly, e.g. B. Spread over a lawn with a spreader
- Ideally before expected rain
- Alternatively, water the lawn thoroughly after liming
INFO: In order for the calcium carbonate of the lawn lime to actually develop its effect, it is dependent on moisture. It is therefore ideal to use it before it rains. Otherwise, the dry powder will lie on the ground and will not be able to penetrate the upper soil layer.
Step 4 - check pH
After you have successfully completed your efforts, you should check the pH value again:
- Check the soil pH value using test strips
- If necessary, calculate the amount of lime again as described and apply it
- OPTIONAL: re-sow gaps and empty spaces in the lawn