Topic: Lime question (the mineral not the fruit).

[pjb]

I've got some Brassica to plant out in a bed that wasn't limed, would it be a good idea to put some lime in each planting hole? (the bed hasn't been limed before). Thanks.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Depends on your soil. If it's acid it might be worthwhile.

PS I see you're on Anglesey. Your soil's almost certainly going to be acid, so at the very least it won't do any harm!

[kt.]

Previously when planting brassicas into their final position, I dug the potting hole, watered,  then put some lime in the bottom.  This year I am just putting lime on the surface around the base of each transplant.  They seem to be dong OK so far.

[1066]

Can I ask why you are doing it differenly this year? Would like to try and figure out the "best" way to lime (if it exists.......)

[kt.]

Can I ask why you are doing it differently this year? Would like to try and figure out the "best" way to lime (if it exists.......)

No particular reason.  It is easier to spread around the base of the plant, that's all.  I was thinking that if I limed on the surface then it would slowly release into more of the ground rather than just putting it in the bottom of the potting hole.  My caulis however will be getting both.  (Never had much luck with them :(). 

[1066]

Thanks for that, I've been given some plug caulis so I'm trying those aswell. Hope you have better luck this year

[shirlton]

There is a pic on here of some planted brassica's and they are planted into sections marked out in lime. That is the way I do it now. Doing this also deters slugs

[Tee Gee]

No particular reason.  It is easier to spread around the base of the plant, that's all

For a minute KT I thought I had converted you  ::) ;D

I think you will find the method advantageous!

I think the link Shirlton is referring to is this one;http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Brassica%20planting/brassica%20planting.html

[cornykev]

TG how often do you have the net off for weeding.  ???     ;D ;D ;D

[reddyreddy]

very interesting as I planted some broccoli today and forgot to lime the hole, will lime the soil on top tomorrow, yay!

[Tee Gee]

TG how often do you have the net off for weeding.

As and when; but mostly once!

I find that at my plant centres 15" each way, the soil is soon covered and weeds are generally not a problem after that.

Plus the plants are generally of a size that birds do not touch them much.

The birds tend to go for cabbages and as I only grow about half a dozen summer cabbages I don't mind if these are sacrificed.

[shirlton]

That's the one TeeGee most helpful