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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: adrianhumph on March 24, 2005, 10:20:50

Title: sowing seeds after liming
Post by: adrianhumph on March 24, 2005, 10:20:50
Hi all :)
             I have just put garden lime on a bed that I intend to plant my kale & brocoli in about July, can I now use this ground for some quick maturing things like turnips or radishes ??? or willl the lime  affect germination or growth  ??? 

                                              Adrian.
Title: Re: sowing seeds after liming
Post by: aquilegia on March 24, 2005, 10:22:40
radishes are brassicas, so I assume that means they like it limey. Anyone?
Title: Re: sowing seeds after liming
Post by: kenkew on March 24, 2005, 13:02:07
Never use lime without first testing your soil. Some gardeners habitually spread lime every year regardless. Most veg will be quite happy with a pH between 6 and 7 so you should be aiming at 6.5. Contrary to some beliefs, potatoes are quite happy at this pH.
If your pH is higher than this, then don't lime. If it's below then add lime. When to lime...best time is during the winter, especially if there's been a frost as the lime will stick to the frosty coating and not blow away. I wouldn't lime and then straight away sow/plant. The lime, like any soil additive has to be given time to work.
So, check your pH before you add anything.