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Would soil that has been undercover for 2 years need extra lime for the benefit of seed potatoes? Is it as easy as that or should i find out the ph level to determine the need?
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I've never used lime but would seem a good idea to check the pH before adding any lime. A simple pH test kit could be cheaper than the lime. -
It could cause scab. Why do you need to lime it?Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better...Albert Einstein
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Ok cheers, i'll grab a test kit and see what the results are. If its above ph7 the lime will lower it to a level that the spuds will be happy in right?Comment
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No lime is alkali and will bring a low PH acid soil up if you want it lowered add sulphur.Comment
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Lime will highten the pH, not lower it. You are looking ideally for 6.5 - slightly acid.Originally posted by Chef_uk View Post
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It's very unlikely you would need to lime for spuds, as others have said, that would raise the pH. I'd be inclined to add some nice rotted compost for nutrients and maybe some chicken manure but that's about it and to be honest you'll probably do fine if you don't bother, spuds are very easy.
Some of us live in the past, always talking about back then. Some of us live in the future, always planning what we are going to do. And, then there are those, who neither look behind or ahead, but just enjoy the moment of right now.
Which one are you and is it how you want to be?Comment
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Chicken muck is far too high in nitrogen. You will get heaps of top growth but it won't reflect in the size of the crop. Better to use something a little less fiery.Comment
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I find a bit of chicken much is very good but take your point that too much would be a bad thing - does tend to be the pelleted stuff I use though which might be less firey
Some of us live in the past, always talking about back then. Some of us live in the future, always planning what we are going to do. And, then there are those, who neither look behind or ahead, but just enjoy the moment of right now.
Which one are you and is it how you want to be?Comment
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... and it's on the alkaline side, so might give your spuds scabOriginally posted by Aberdeenplotter View PostAll gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.Comment
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I've been scattering coffee grounds on my potato bed, might also bury a few with the potatoes when I plant them. 'Apparently' it deters wireworm. We'll see.the fates lead him who will;him who won't they drag.
Happiness is not having what you want,but wanting what you have.xxComment
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As was said by the other grapes, Spuds prefer a slightly acid soil so i wouldn't go near the bed with lime on this occasion."He that but looketh on a plate of ham and eggs to lust after it hath already committed breakfast with it in his heart"Comment
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If your soil is ridiculousy acid or very peaty, something like 4pH to 5 pH a dressing of Magneium Limestone (dolomite) will raise the pH but shouldn't cause scab.(Or so I'm led to believe)
Early spuds are usually lifted before scab has time to get established anyway.
As a rule though, tattie beds aren't usually limed but brassica beds are!My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)
Diversify & prosper
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Got my raising and lowering pH Levels the wrong way round then huh. Thanks for the explanation I'm also growing maincrop spuds so glad i checked with you first
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For the avoidance of doubt, it's a fallacy that spuds don't like lime. They thrive in limey soil but as the others have said, too much lime does tend to produce scabby spuds. If in doubt, do the ph test, otherwise fill the trenches with fym or compost and look forward to some new spuds with butter running down your chin. It's one of the highlights of the year and certainly one of the things that keeps me growing my ownComment
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