I bought some garden lime at Lowes yesterday, 40# for $2.98. I believe it is very similar to the dolomite used in our gessie mixes but the calcium/magnesium proportion may be a bit different. It is the kind of lime used for plants and lawns. I am wonder if it would be pretty much the same as using dolomite and what amount I should use when adding it. For instance if I just want to add it to a gallon of mix or so at a time would I just add a teaspoon or something like that?
Anybody using this lime?
Thanks, Pat
Dolomite vs garden lime
Dolomite can be used 1 tsp. to a gallon of water,once a month,to help promote bigger blooms,but this also decreases acidity.
Garden lime must be very finely ground if you are using it.
I don't know for sure,but an old LL mix recipe calls for 10 level tablespoons of dolomite lime per bushel of mix.If your water has a lot of lime be very careful.
Lynn
This page may help a little.
http://www.donnan.com/lime.htm#Dolomite%20Lime
I am a bit concerning about the garden lime. I may try it on 1 plant I don't care about and see what happens. Thanks for the info.
Pat,
I don't think garden lime and Dolomite lime are so different it would harm your plants.The main difference is Dolomite has magnesium.Also,the finer the grind,even powdery,the better it is.
Do not use hydrated lime!!
In the recipe I mentioned above,it works out to a little less than 1 tablespoon per gallon of soil mix.You could always use less.
What is happening with your plants that you are going to try using lime?
Lynn
Lynn,
I am just trying to come up with a new mix and a lot of the recipes call for dolomite. I actually like my mix I am using now, I just have to add some coarse vermiculite. I am adding pelleted blood meal and the plants seem to like it. I can't afford Pro mix and mixes I have tried so far have not been impressive so I want to do my own.
Pat
Oh,that's great.I used to experiment a lot with mixes and still do a little.So far I haven't bought Pro Mix.It is pretty pricey.I also hear Volkmanns is good.
I was just concerned that you might be changing your mix to solve a problem and if the mix isn't causing the problem changing it can make things worse....been there and done that LOL.
Lynn