Lime

Hi

Is it ok to use builders hyrated lime on the garden, I know it is finer, but does it do the same job?

Cheers

Dave

Hi

Thats a shame as I have a plentiful supply of that, that needs using up.  Will have to raid the lime on the farm then!  hehe

Cheers

Dave

Use half the amount when using Hydrated lime. Does not stay in the soil as long as agricultural lime, but is cheaper and more readily available.

Quick Lime is a no no and I think outlawed.

The huge piles you see in farmers fields is usually hydrated lime they have got cheaply.

            Regards Wardy

Hi

So am I safe in putting a little hydrated lime on the plot?  Or do I need to get some garden lime?  Don't want to wreck it before I start!  hehe

Cheers

Dave

You can use builders hydrated lime but read the packet because some has additives to make mortar work better. Be very careful when using hydrated lime as the fine powder will blow about and is not nice in your eyes. Spreading it is like throwing talcum powder.

Hydrated lime is quick lime that has had water added, hence hydrated. Quick lime is limestone that has been heated to red  heat.

Hydrated lime is a very fine powder and is quickly available in the soil. It is usually only used in agriculture/horticulture to correct a soil problem when a crop is showing signs of acidity.

The heaps of lime sometimes seen in farmers fields awaiting spreading is usually ground limestone. Ground limestone is cheap and nuturalises acidity in the soil quite slowly. It should be applied in the Autumn so that by Spring it has done its work.