This week’s myth concerns using lime to eliminate moss in our soil. Mosses grow well in acidic soils, and an old myth is to add lime to the soil to change soil pH so that mosses won’t grow.

For example, if your soil test recommends adding 100 pounds of agricultural lime, add 10 pounds of pelletized. All that being said, there’s no rule that says you ever have to lime your lawn.

Lime is very alkaline so it’s important to use a light hand when applying it to your soil; too much and the soil’s pH will rise to a level that’s inhospitable to plants.

Dolomitic lime has the added benefit of adding magnesium to the soil. Do not add lime unless a soil test recommends it. Adding lime to an already alkaline soil can cause a lot of problems for plants.

Adding Lime to Your Soil By: Paul Schnare Monday, September 22, 2003 Most soils in the Heartland have developed under oak hickory forests and therefore have a natural pH of about 5.5. On the ...

Many Texas soils are acid soils; that is, the soil pH is less than 7.0. Soil acidity is caused by various environmental, climatic and cultural factors. The most common of these factors are ...

Take action to correct soil pH only when it is substantially higher or lower than the desired pH for the plants you are growing. To avoid damage to your landscape plants, always have your soil tested ...

How can I use my falling leaves to improve my garden and landscape? The best way to improve any soil is to add organic matter. What better time to do it than when we have lots of organic matter ...

When soil pH is above approximately 8.2, lime becomes insoluble. Many of our soils are acidic and will benefit from agricultural lime applications but pH should be tested before applying lime.

Soils low in organic matter can be amended by adding compost, peat moss or other organic matter. Peppers grow best in a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6 to 6.8. A pH of 7 is neutral.