Lime your lawn: How to care for your lawn properly & fight moss
Many people want a lush green lawn without weeds. However, a lot of moss grows in many gardens and the owners cannot keep up with removing the moss and planting new grass in the bare spots. Did you know that the pH value of your soil affects the growth of moss? You will not be able to get the problem under control without appropriate measures.
In this article, we'll explain how liming your lawn affects the pH of the soil and the growth of moss. You'll learn how to test the pH, when you should lime your lawn, and the best way to do it.
Why does lawn need to be limed?
Lawns need to be limed if the pH of the soil is too acidic. Then the grass cannot grow and moss spreads instead.
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How can I determine the pH of the soil?
You can buy a pH soil test from us and use it to determine the pH value in just a few minutes.
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When is the best time to lime lawn?
The best time to lime your lawn is in spring. Apply the lime on a calm, cloudy day.
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How do I lime my lawn?
Before liming, you should mow and scarify your lawn. Then apply the correct amount of lime and water the soil.
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Why does lawn need to be limed?
In many gardens, applying lime is an important part of lawn care . If you notice a lot of moss, clover and other weeds growing on your lawn, the pH value of your soil could be the cause.
For grass to grow ideally, the soil needs a pH value of 5.5 to 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, this will hinder the growth of your lawn. The availability of nutrients is greatly reduced in acidic conditions, meaning that lawn grass cannot grow properly. Instead, weeds and other plants spread.
If your soil has a low pH value, it is called acidic soil. This applies to values below 6.5. Grass will therefore grow in slightly acidic soil, but not in overly acidic soil. Before you lime your lawn, you should first determine the pH value of the soil. Moss in the lawn does not necessarily mean that your soil is too acidic.
How do acidic soils form?
Acidic soils often develop gradually. If the soil in your garden is heavily compacted and very moist, then over-acidification is possible. Mowing residues on the lawn also promote over-acidification. If these cannot be completely decomposed, they begin to rot. This process lowers the pH value of the soil. It is also possible that the application of mineral fertilizers affects the pH value and leads to over-acidification in the long term.
How can I test the pH of my soil?
You shouldn't just lime your lawn on suspicion. First, you need to determine the pH value of your soil. You don't need a complex soil analysis for this. You can carry out a pH test yourself. This will tell you the pH value of your soil in just a few minutes.
To do this, first take soil samples from your garden and mix them according to the instructions on the packaging. Then fill the sample into the test tubes provided and fill them with distilled water. Then add the pH soil test tablet and shake the tube.
Wait a few minutes and you can read the pH value using a colored scale. A soil test like this is easy to use but very effective. It shows you the pH value of your soil and tells you whether you should lime your lawn.
When is the best time to lime lawn?
If you have determined that you need to lime your lawn, then the best time to do so is spring. It is best to wait until the snow has melted and it is no longer freezing. Before your lawn starts to grow, you should scarify it. Your soil will then be well aerated, which will prevent your soil from becoming over-acidic again.
It is best to lime your lawn on a dry day with little wind and sun. If it is very windy, the lime can evaporate. Strong sunlight, on the other hand, can burn the lime and damage your lawn.
You should only lime your lawn if the pH soil test shows that it is over-acidic. For normal soils, liming is only necessary every three to four years. It is best to keep an eye on the pH value every year.
How do I lime the lawn?
If you have determined the pH value of your soil and bought lawn lime, then the most important preparations have been made. However, there are a few things to consider when liming the lawn. You should prepare your lawn ideally and there are also a few pitfalls when applying lime to the lawn.
Just follow our instructions for liming your lawn:
Prepare your lawn
Before you can work lime into the soil, you need to prepare it. Scarify your lawn beforehand so that it can absorb the lime optimally and is well ventilated. If you lime your lawn in the autumn, you should mow it beforehand.
Find out the amount you need
If you want to spread garden lime, you should first check exactly how to dose it. The instructions will tell you how much lime you need per square meter. Stick to these instructions.
Apply the lawn lime
Now you can spread the lawn lime on your lawn. It is best to wear gardening gloves so that your hands do not come into contact with the lime. You can spread the lime by hand or use a spreader.
Water your soil
After you have limed your lawn, you should water it sufficiently. This will allow the lime to flow into the soil and slowly neutralize the pH value.
With these instructions for liming the lawn, you will be able to successfully supply the soil with lime. We recommend that you take care of the lawn after liming and do not walk on it for a few days.
Frequently asked questions about lawn care & lawn lime
If your lawn needs lime, you can easily apply it using our instructions. In this chapter we will answer other questions that frequently arise about the topic of liming the lawn.
No, lawn fertilization and lawn liming should never be done together. The effects of lime and fertilizer cancel each other out. You should leave about six to eight weeks between applying fertilizer and lime. It is best to start with liming and then fertilize your lawn.
How often you need to lime your lawn depends on the individual nature of the soil. Some gardens need to lime regularly, while others only need to do it every few years. It's best to check once or twice a year to see how the pH of your soil has changed.
As a rule, you apply 100 grams per square meter to light and sandy soils. If you have heavy and dense soil, you will need a little more. It is best to follow the instructions on the product.
Conclusion: Don’t miss the ideal time to lime your lawn
If the pH value in your garden is too acidic, then liming is a promising measure. If you apply the lime, it neutralizes the pH value and creates the ideal conditions for healthy growth of your lawn. Make sure to apply the lime before the lawn starts to grow. It can then grow healthily in the spring and look beautiful all year round.
To all who can and want to do it themselves,
Your RasenExpert Team