When to use
Garden Lime
A soil conditioner to sweeten and improve the drainage of heavy clay soils
Suitable for use in organic gardens
Description
Vitax Garden Lime is a virtually dust-free granular soil conditioner that provides the benefits of traditional powdered lime without the inconvenience of handling dusty material.
It helps neutralise acidic or “sour” soils, creating better conditions for beneficial soil bacteria and helping release nutrients that may otherwise be unavailable to plants in acidic conditions.
Garden Lime:
- Adds calcium and magnesium to the soil.
- Improves drainage in heavy clay soils.
- Helps reduce the risk of club root in cabbages and other brassicas.
For acidic soils, Garden Lime is best applied from September onwards. It can also be used on normal soils, where an application every two or three years is usually sufficient.
In addition to conditioning garden soil, granular Garden Lime can also be used to help speed up the composting of garden waste.
Sizes available
- 3kg Granular — Box
- 10kg Granular — Tub
- 20kg Powder — Bag
How to use
Note: One gloved handful contains approximately 35g.
Acid Soils
Apply annually, preferably from September onwards, at a rate of 200–400g per square metre.
This is equivalent to approximately 6–12oz per square yard.
Normal Soils
Apply every two or three years at a rate of 200g per square metre.
This is equivalent to approximately 6oz per square yard.
Home Composting
Granular Garden Lime can also be used to help accelerate the composting of garden waste.
For an open compost heap, add approximately 20cm (8in) of garden waste, then sprinkle Garden Lime at around 60g per square metre.
Add another 20cm layer of garden waste, followed by approximately 60g per square metre of sulphate of ammonia or dried blood.
Continue layering until the heap reaches approximately 1.2m (4ft) high, then cover and allow the material to compost.
When to apply
For acidic soils, apply from September onwards.
Autumn application gives the lime time to condition the soil over winter, helping prepare it for the following growing season.
Where to use
Suitable for use on garden soils where acidity needs correcting or where heavy clay soil would benefit from improved structure and drainage.
It is particularly useful when preparing soil for vegetables, flowers and other garden plants that prefer less acidic growing conditions.
Ideal for brassica-growing areas
Raising the pH of acidic soil can help create less favourable conditions for club root, making Garden Lime particularly useful when preparing areas intended for cabbages and other brassicas.
Hints & Tips
- Read the directions carefully before use.
- Store in a dry place away from children, pets and foodstuffs.
- Always wear gardening gloves when handling the product.
- Garden Lime may irritate cut or broken skin. Wash hands after use.
- Do not exceed the recommended application rates.
- Where possible, avoid allowing the product to remain lodged on plant leaves and stems.
Why use Garden Lime in autumn?
Applying lime from September onwards allows it time to react with acidic soil during the cooler months. This can help improve soil conditions before spring planting while also benefiting the structure and drainage of heavy soils.
Product information
Always refer to the current product label and manufacturer guidance before use.
Brand: Vitax
