What Does Lime Do for Cucumbers?

Testing

• Soil testing must be conducted before cucumbers are planted in the garden. Because cucumbers are planted in the spring when the soil has become warmer, it is important for gardeners to test their soil in the fall to give limestone a chance to alter or raise the pH of the soil. Generally, it takes limestone three to six months to alter the range. To test soil, dig a 3-to-4-inch hole in the garden area. Collect half a cup of soil to send to your local cooperative extension office. Wait three to four weeks for the results.

Lime

• Soils become acidic due to wet conditions and cultivation that leaches the top soil of nutrients. Certain areas of the country such as Western Washington have soil that is more acidic than other areas. Limestone spread in the yard contributes beneficial nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, increases bacterial activity which helps soil structure, reduces the toxicity of aluminum and iron and fixes acidity. Cucumbers that are grown in acidic soil display stunted growth.

Amount of Lime

• The amount of limestone that is used depends on the soil pH test; the type of limestone used depends on the gardener's personal taste. Limestone is sold as a powder or granule. Both can be spread with a drop spreader; however, powdered limestone can cover plants with dust. This dust must be washed off or it can harm plants. Use the proper amount of limestone as indicated on the test. For example, garden soils that have a soil pH of 5.6 are amended with 5 pounds of limestone per 100 square feet to raise the pH to 6.4.

Liming and After-Care

• Lime the yard by pouring the limestone in a drop spreader. A drop spreader dispenses fertilizer granules across the lawn; push the drop spreader over the planting area. It is easier to spread limestone on bare soil to prevent dust from covering plants. Apply 1 inch of water to the planting area. At the time of planting, conduct a soil test to see if the limestone has raised the soil to cucumber plants' desired range. Spread a fertilizer that has a nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) amount of 5-10-10 over the planting area to add extra nutrients. Plant your cucumbers seeds or transplants into the planting area.