[pompeyboy61]

Buying lime, growmore etc from the allotment shop means it comes in plastic bags.How do you measure out the suggested amount to cover one square metre as recommended without having a set of scales on site. Is it that one handful weighs a certain amount , or is it down to guess work and ' fingers crossed '

[Yorkie]

Guesswork and size of hand 

(Everything I scatter is a handful per square yard block, or similar ... )

[solway cropper]

That's the same measuring system I use, Yorkie. When I worked in forestry we put up lots of fences and if the top rail was to be three foot six that translated as belly button height. I won't tell you what three foot was!!

[Yorkie]

 

Norty SC 

[Elaine G]

I used to weigh out the correct amount per square yard into a clear plastic cup. Then mark the level with a perm marker.
Then you can spread the correct amount.
These days I tend to use Yorkie's method!

Elaine

[Plot 6B]

It's hand size for me too with a bit more for good luck!

[Christine]

The British standard handful is a well known measurement isn't it?

[sunshineband]

The British standard handful is a well known measurement isn't it?

Of course   

[Slowcoach]

I've got imperial hands, does this make a difference?

[mumofstig]

not at all 

[Salmo]

It is quite important to get applications right as there is no point in wasting money and overdosing with lime or fertiliser can be detrimental to your crop.

Put 10 handfuls of whatever you want to apply into a container and then weigh it. Divide by 10 and you know how much your handful weighs.

When spreading things like lime or growmore it is useful to lay canes a yard apart on the plot and spread evenly between them. After you have done it a time or two you will know what 4 ounces or 2 ounces per square yard looks like.

[pdblake]

Like most, I just lob it on by the handful

[simonwatson]

I 'acquired' one of the kids old plastic cups with handles. It makes a great measure. You can put a scale for different products, like growmore pellets or powdered lime, in different places on it in permanent marker. Works great.