Applying lime to lawns with weed problems won’t actually kill the weeds (use an herbicide for that), but it can prevent further weeds.
Loamy soil is the standard for garden and lawn soils. It’s crumbly and easy to dig into.
Check the ingredients on your fertilizer, and opt for those with nitrates, phosphorus, or potassium. [9] X Trustworthy Source University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension program of the University of California system devoted to educating and improving local communities Go to source
You can also test your soil with baking soda and vinegar. Place 2 tbsp (28. 3 g) of lawn soil in a bowl, then add 0. 5 cups (120 mL) of vinegar. If the vinegar and soil mixture fizzes, your lawn soil is alkaline, and doesn’t need lime. If not, repeat the test with a new soil sample moistened with distilled water, and using 0. 5 cups (120 mL) of baking soda instead of vinegar. If this mixture fizzes, your soil is acidic. [12] X Research source If your soil reacts to neither test, your soil is well-balanced, and you won’t need to balance it yourself.
Break up your measurements into smaller squares if you have an irregularly-shaped lawn. Then, add the area of those squares together. You don’t need to be precise; a rough estimate is enough!
For a pH of 4. 9 or below: apply 200 lbs (~91 kg) of lime per 1,000 square feet (~93 square meters). For a pH of 5. 0-5. 5: apply 100 lbs (~45 kg) of lime per 1,000 square feet (~93 square meters). For a pH of 5. 6-6. 0: apply 50 lbs (~23 kg) of lime per 1,000 square feet (~93 square meters). For a pH of 6. 1+: no lime is needed. Before you make your purchase, scope out wikiHow’s Home Depot promo codes and Lowe’s promo codes to see if you can find any good deals.
Some soil tests may also indicate magnesium levels. If your test indicates low magnesium levels, search for “dolomitic lime” to replenish the magnesium. In addition, use caution when handling hydrated lime (also called “builder’s lime), as this form can irritate your skin and eyes. [16] X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural Society Leading gardening charity in the U. K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
Alternatively, distribute the lime by hand using a pair of sturdy gardening gloves. Toss fistfuls of lime in broad, controlled arcs while close to the ground. Only apply lime in 50-pound (~23 kg) increments. If your soil acidity and lawn area call for more than 50 pounds (~23 kg) of lime, consult the instructions on the lime’s packaging for acceptable application rates.
