If you thought the only use for lime was to mark lines on a football field, it's time to revise your opinion of this mineral. Lime is the single most important soil amendment for our area. Without regular additions of lime, your lawn will languish, your tomatoes will wilt, and your flower gardens will be uninspiring. Why is lime important? It helps counteract soil acidity. Virginia's soil is normally so acidic, that without intervention, plants that are sensitive to acidic soil will not survive. Certain plant thrive in acid soil. It's not by accident that every spring we see a riot of color from plants such as: tulip poplars, dogwoods azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. These plants are beautiful and provide welcome color to a landscape. Acid is good for them. You will notice, however, that grass is not included on the list of acid-loving plants! Grass prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil, and will quickly weaken and die when the the soil becomes too acidic. That's when weeds, crabgrass, and disease come in to your lawn. How can you keep your soil pH at a level that will allow grass to grow? Apply lime!

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Last updated on: 05/08/01
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