Lime?

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beare Commerce, TX(Zone 7b) Mar 09, 2007

I have a container garden. I have used the same mixture for two years now. A friend suggested I mix some "garden lime" in my mixture this year. Is he sending me out to look for a left-handed hammer or is this a reasonable suggestion? Jerry

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Mar 09, 2007

Not exactly a left hand monkey wrench suggestion, but lime (usually ground limestone, Calcium Carbonate) is readily available in garden centers) It's major purpose is to neutralized the acid in an acid soil (raise tthe pH toward neutral) Calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) is also available and will raise the pH faster and a shade higher. Unless you are using an acidic planting mix or using an acidic water, I don't think you would need it for a container garden. Most, planting mixes, unless they have a lot of peat, are at the correct pH.

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beare Commerce, TX(Zone 7b) Mar 09, 2007

Thanks for the information! I only plant tomatoes and I think he is concerned that the mixture may have become acidic due to that fact.
Jerry

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Mar 09, 2007

Tomatoes are not choosy about pH, nor will they make the soil more acidic.

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beare Commerce, TX(Zone 7b) Mar 11, 2007

Thanks! I think I will leave well-enough-alone, as the saying goes. If you would like to check out my tomato growing efforts I have a running photo chrono on a blog at: www.twylightman@blogspot.com
Again, Thank-you! for the information. Jerry

This message was edited Mar 11, 2007 10:02 AM

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beare Commerce, TX(Zone 7b) Mar 11, 2007

That is www.twylightman@blogspot.com it is not an e-mail address. Jerry

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ardesia Jacksonville, FL(Zone 9a) Mar 11, 2007

Before you throw out the idea how about having the soil tested. Take about a pint of soil to your local extension office and let them send it off for analysis. Tomatoes certainly do not make soil acid but over time lime can be depleted from any soil and tomatoes do need calcium to prevent blossom end rot.

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beare Commerce, TX(Zone 7b) Mar 12, 2007

Ardesia, You are right. What could it hurt. I did have some blossom end rot last year.The county extension office is in the same building where I work. Again, thanks for the help. Jerry

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