Can I Put Lime Juice on My Plant?

Types of Plants and Trees

• Whether to use lime juice on a plant depends on whether a plant, tree or shrub prefers acidic conditions. Some species that tend to thrive in acidic soil are strawberry trees, tomatoes, sunflowers, azaleas, birch trees and spruce trees. Treating soil that houses these species should be done according to what each plant commonly needs.

Testing pH Levels

• Deciding whether to add lime juice to soil should come with knowing the soil's pH level, which indicates acidity. Taking soil samples with a soil test kit reveals whether alkalizing is called for. Acidity tests are scored from 0 to 14. Scores above 7 indicate alkalized conditions. When pH levels come in at 6 to 8, most gardeners consider soil neutral. Therefore, soil below 6 on a pH scale may be treated with lime juice.

Plant Needs

• It is equally vital to know at which pH levels each species thrives. This is done by comparing pH levels in the soil with the needs of plants that may benefit from lime. Strawberry trees and birch trees, for example, grow best with pH levels of approximately 5 and 6. Azaleas can handle levels slightly lower.

Lime Juice Application

• Properly using lime juice to make soil more alkaline involves a simple mixture of juice and water. The common mixture includes 1 tsp. of lime juice per 1 gallon of water. The solution is applied to the bottom of each plant. Frequent soil tests should be done and lime juice applied until proper pH levels are attained.