How long does it take for lime to lower PH?

Gustav · Fri May 18, 2012 12:12 pm

I want to lower the soil ph for planting blueberries, after adding lime to the soil, how long does it take for the soil ph to drop? How long for the bacteria to take effect? At the moment the ph is 7 & I want it at 4.5-55

Anyone?

rainbowgardener · Fri May 18, 2012 12:23 pm

Lime INCREASES pH, it does not lower it!

Sulfur lowers pH.

Gustav · Fri May 18, 2012 2:47 pm

Thnx. I thinkI'll get some of that then. How long after applying it does it show?

rainbowgardener · Sat May 19, 2012 2:54 am

I would think once it is applied and well mixed and watered in, the effect would be immediate. You could test it if you have a meter or even litmus strips.

Remember if these are in the ground (not a container), amending the soil is not a one time thing. Over time the acidifying will be neutralized by the surrounding more alkaline soil. So you will need to do it at least yearly, maybe twice a year.