When do I lime my plot after manuring it in the autumn?

[bigcatmaniac]

Hi there

This is my first post on here so I hope you can help. I took on an alloment for the first time in the Autumn and have manured all the beds. I need to lime some beds as well as the soil is acidic. The books I've read say you can't do both together. How long do I wait before putting the lime on, as the books also say that should be done a wee while before planting? Thanks.

Bigcatmaniac

[bigcatmaniac]

[saddad]

Welcome to A4A  bigcat...
About 6 weeks between is usuually considered enough. What are you planting that needs the lime? If brassicas you can just put it in the planting holes with the transplants..  :)

[goodlife]

 ..yep and maybe little sprinkle on top of the soil around the plants too ;)

[Tonythegardener]

I put on quite a bit of lime in the Spring but only on the brassicae bed.  This means that the beds are only limed once in about 5 years.  Large amounts of organic matter - manure, leaves, turfs, weeds, lawn mowing and compost are added whenever the ground is free and that is mainly in the autum and winter. 

The brassicae bed is going where there were peas and beans last year. These hopefully will give the soil some nitrogen and the lime will keep club root away as well as giving some nutrients. 

[cornykev]

As above, I only lime the brassica bed when planting and mainly in the planting hole, so one bed per year in a 4 bed rotation, one thing you do learn over the years is don't take your books as gospel.

[rugbypost]

I  agree with what everyone has said so far if it is for brassicas just put lime in the hole & a bit around the plant with a few slug pellets when you are ready to plant your seedlings  try not to dig this patch either brassicas like a firm ground to grow in so use your heel to set them in the ground

[bigcatmaniac]

Many thanks to all for your help.  Yes - the lime is for the brassica bed so I'll just do as you say and add it at planting time.  Think this website is great for newbies like me.  Thanks again.

Bigcatmaniac

[pumkinlover]

 ??? ??? I've been told to use ground limestone in the autumn and hydrated lime in the spring. Not sure if this helps or hinders you. I'm guessing that ground limestone needs longer to become active and raise the pH.
In the end like most gardeners I put it on when I remember, usually as I plant brassicas, as that reminds me. I buy "garden lime" and don't really know what type it is anyway.