When should the lawn be limed? - Information on dates and benefits

When should the lawn be limed? - Information on dates and benefits

A simple test signals the lawn's need for lime

If the moss proliferates in the lawn, this indicates an imbalance in the nature of the soil. In order for a lawn to develop into the longed-for velvety green carpet, the soil must not be too acidic. A pH value between 6 and 7 is therefore considered desirable. If the value falls below 5.5, annoying moss takes over. The addition of lime restores the balance.

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An uncomplicated pH value test from the hardware store or garden center provides additional security. Without any previous chemical knowledge, you can use a coloring reaction to determine how the lawn is doing. If you want to know exactly, you can order a soil analysis from a special laboratory.

These two dates have proven themselves

In principle, you can always lime your lawn if the pH value is too low. On these 2 times a year, the grass area is particularly receptive to the treatment:

  • In spring, immediately after scarifying or aerating
  • In autumn, when the lawn is aired again in early September in preparation for winter

If all the moss and weeds have been combed out with the scarifier (€ 76.01 at Amazon *), lime penetrates the soil much more efficiently. The same applies if the soil has been loosened up with soil nails or spoons.

Do not lime if the pH value is high

Do not confuse the way lawn lime works with a weed killer. Lime increases the pH value and thus deprives moss of the basis of life, as this requires an acidic soil. If, however, the pH rises into the alkaline range above 7, the hour for Klee et al. If the acid content is already at a high level, lime acts like a fertilizer for weeds.

Skilfully liming the lawn at the right time

If the decision has been made between spring and autumn as the best date for liming, the exact point in time comes into focus. These aspects are relevant:

  • The lawn is freshly mowed to 3-4 centimeters
  • Ideally, the grass surface has been scarified or aerated beforehand
  • The weather is dry and windless

When choosing a date, it is advantageous if the weather forecast announces rain for the next few days. In this case, Mother Nature provides the necessary irrigation, which the lawn sprinkler would otherwise take over (€ 27.94 on Amazon *). Knowledgeable hobby gardeners wait 3-4 weeks until the next dose of fertilizer, as both preparations cancel each other out.

Tips & Tricks

Easily said, if 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 tell exactly when the amount is reached. Place an open vessel with a measuring scale on the lawn within the irrigation radius.