This article has been checked for horticultural accuracy by Oliver Parsons.

Ad

Ground limestone, commonly known as garden lime, is sometimes added to garden soils that are acidic, or low in lime. The active ingredient of garden lime is calcium carbonate. Do not confuse garden lime (calcium carbonate) with the industrial product quicklime (calcium oxide). Quicklime is not suitable for adding to garden soil because it's stronger and quicker-acting than garden lime, and can cause eye, skin and respiratory injury if not handled properly.

Why apply garden lime?

Garden lime improves growth and productivity of lime-loving vegetable crops if the soil is naturally acidic. Garden lime can also be applied to improve the structure of clay and compacted soils, encouraging the tiny particles to combine in larger crumbs.

Sponsored content

Ad
Ad
Ad