How to Mix Lime Into Soil

Lime is an essential amendment used to adjust the pH of garden and lawn soil. Lime is alkaline, which means that it will reduce the acidity of soil. On the pH scale, this means that the pH will increase in number. Each type of garden varies in its need and ideal soil pH. For instance, turf grass thrives with a slightly acidic soil, 6.5 to neutral 7.0 pH; whereas vegetables do better with a more acidic 5.8 to 6.3 pH. Avoid raising the soil more than one full pH number each year. Otherwise, vital nutrients could be lost and the soil damaged.

Soil test kit
Spreader
Sprinkler

Instructions

- 1
  Test the soil with a soil pH test to determine the current pH.
- 2
  Determine your soil type. The different types of soils include clay, sand, silt and loam, with most being a combination. Each soil type requires a different amount of lime for amending and differing amounts depending on how much you need to raise the soil's pH. For instance, to raise the pH of a predominately clay soil from 5.5 to 6.5, you would need to add 5.5 lbs. of lime per 100 square feet. You would need to add only 2.5 lbs. to raise the pH of a predominately sandy soil the same amount.
- 3
  Add the lime to the hopper of the spreader in the correct amount for your yard or garden.
- 4
  Dispense the lime evenly across the yard or garden. Take two passes, first across the lawn or garden, then front to back for the most even distribution.
- 5
  Turn on the sprinkler and irrigate with 1 inch of water to completely water in the lime and promote the chemical reaction.

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