Is it necessary to use lime on an ordinary domestic vegetable plot and flower beds?

I have a really old garden that I think may benefit from using lime. Am I right please?

Is it necessary to use lime on an ordinary domestic vegetable plot and flower beds?
Soils tend to become acidic as a result of:


rainwater leaching away basic ions (calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium);


Carbon dioxide from decomposing organic matter and root respiration.


Formation of strong organic and inorganic acids, such as nitric and sulfuric acid, from decaying organic matter and oxidation of ammonium and sulfur fertilizers.


This needs to be readdressed every now and again unless you want to grow more acid loving plants.


If you have chalky soil then it is not necessary to lime it as it will already be on the alkaline side. If however your soil is naturally on the acidic side it is a good idea to add lime especially if you want to grow brassicas. They are susceptible to clubroot and this is only active in an acidic soil. Some flowers belong to this family as well, wallflowers,alyssum, arabis, candytuft, and stocks. If you grow these you may also need to lime an old flower bed.


An ideal PH level for a veg bed is between 6.5 and 7. with an addition of lime on the brassica area giving a PH of between 7 and 8 but no higher. Lime should be applied at least two weeks before planting.
Reply:Havea read of this :


http://www.allotment.org.uk/fertilizer/g...


it may help........
Reply:No a general fertilizer would be better
Reply:If the area has been over growen over many years,


Then the answer is yes,


It depends on what you want to grow there, ?
Reply:On vetable plots yah you have to dig it in. On green leaved vegatables.
Reply:No use manure or if your in uk use bonemeal.

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