[Hobnails]

Hi- would appreciate some advice please?
Plasterers have left behind bags of open lime plaster in the shed after plastering the house
wall.
Since they have no intention of returning to take it away- in spite of regular assurances that they will- I wonder if I could spread this on the grass or veg garden without causing any ill effects and avoid an otherwise messy disposal problem.
The thinking is lime plaster = lime.
Advice much appreciated

TIA

Hobnails

[Springlands]

Not an expert but would suggest the the other ingredients in the plaster would render it unsuitable for the garden.

[aelf]

we've had this question before - if memory serves, it's the wrong sort of lime so I wouldn't use it. Check past posts on the subjects first 

[JayG]

Its main ingredient is slaked lime which is quite strongly alkaline and will burn foliage if applied direct. It will also have quite a rapid effect on the pH of your soil  (raising it) which is not necessarily a good thing particularly if your soil pH is currently OK.

Do they have recycling centres in France? 

[tode]

Hi Hobnails: have a look on the bags, and let us know what the composition of the product is.

[Salmo]

Unless the bag says otherwise this will be hydrated lime, also called slaked lime, and is suitable for use as a soil liming material. The most likely other ingredient could be gypsum which will not harm the soil, in fact it will help to break up clay soil. The lime is a very fine powder so if you use it beware of it blowing into your eyes.

Whatever you do avoid just putting it on to the soil or grass just to get rid of it. If your soil is not acid do not put it on.

Excess lime application will induce all sorts of mineral defficiencies and could ruin your soil for cultivation for years. Soil for growing most fruit/veg/flowers is best at about pH6.5 -7. Grass likes soil slightly acid at about pH6 and too much lime encourages clover.

[Hobnails]

Many thanks all!
The plasterers opened the bags with shovels and tore away   the top of the bag that has the contents listed so I cannot tell what is inside.
Since from your replies this could do damage, I'll not risk it and take it to the recycling centre.
Thank again for your advice.

Hobnails