Certain deficiencies in the lawn can be quickly remedied with lime. However, using the watering can principle can do more harm than good. Here we explain in practical terms when a lawn should be limed.
When should you lime the lawn?
Optimally, the lawn should be limed either in spring after scarifying or aerating or in autumn to prepare for winter. Look for a pH value between 6 and 7, dry, calm weather and freshly mown grass.
Simple test signals the lawn's need for lime
If the moss grows in the lawn, this deficiency indicates an imbalance in the condition of the soil. In order for a lawn to develop into the velvety green carpet it longs for, the soil must not be too acidic. A pH value between 6 and 7 is therefore considered desirable. If the value drops below 5.5, annoying moss takes over. The administration of lime restores balance.
An uncomplicated pH value test (€14.00 on Amazon) from the hardware store or garden center provides additional safety. Without any prior knowledge of chemistry, you can use a coloring reaction to determine what condition the lawn is in. If you want to know exactly, you can order a soil analysis from a special laboratory.
These two dates have proven successful
In principle, you can lime your lawn at any time if the pH value is too low. On these 2 dates a year, the grass area is particularly ready for treatment:
- In spring, immediately after scarifying or aerating
- In autumn, when the lawn is aired again at the beginning of September in preparation for winter
If all the moss and weeds have been combed out with the scarifier, lime will penetrate the soil much more efficiently. The same applies if the soil has been loosened with soil nails or spoons.
Do not lime if the pH value is high
Don't confuse the effectiveness of lawn lime with a weed killer. Lime increases the pH value and thus deprives moss of its livelihood, as it requires acidic soil. However, if the pH value rises into the alkaline range greater than 7, clover and its ilk are at risk. If the acidity is already at a high level, lime acts like a fertilizer for weeds.
Skillfully lime your lawn at the right time
Once the decision has been made between spring and autumn as the best date for liming, the exact time comes into focus. These aspects are relevant:
- The lawn is freshly mown to 3-4 centimeters
- Ideally, the grass area has previously been scarified or aerated
- The weather is dry and calm
It is an advantage to choose a date if the weather forecast predicts rain for the next few days. In this case, Mother Nature provides the necessary watering, which would otherwise be done by the lawn sprinkler. Knowledgeable hobby gardeners wait 3-4 weeks before the next dose of fertilizer, as the effects of both preparations cancel each other out.
Tips & Tricks
Easy to say when the expert recommendation is to water a lawn with a maximum of 10-20 milliliters of water per square meter. With a simple trick you can see exactly when the quantity has been reached. Place an open container with a measuring scale on the lawn, within the irrigation radius.
