To lime or not to lime

[diggernotdreamer]

With the mention of the word lime in a previous thread, it made me think of the process of liming again. In 25 years of gardening, not always in the same garden or allotment, I have never used lime. I have heard of people using it but have never done it myself. I have always gardened in places where the soil ph is usually neutral, does this have any bearing on it, I can never find the definitive answer anywhere and it seems some gardeners do it a a matter of course. Everything seems to grow very well, all I use are the composts I make from my chicken bedding and mulches of grass mowings and spoilt hay. I have this wibbly wobbly theory that composts are all you need to grow things and that if your soil is in good heart, Roberts yer uncle, what signs should I be looking for that my soil needs lime

[marshlander]

Different plants need different levels of acidity. If you want to grow rhododendrons or heathers you need an acid soil or have to use ericaceous composts. Most vegetables prefer a slightly acid soil but cabages, Kale etc, the brassicas, prefer a slightly alkaline soil which is why it is suggested to lime in the autumn after potatoes and to follow with Brassicas that like the high ph.

[Flo]

Well here's a thorough explanation for you on which to base your final decision.

I lime because I'm on clay and it does improve brassicas (no I don't grow cabbage but I do grow swede and khol rabi).

[Marc]

I've never used lime and I know it may depend on various things, like soil type and previous use, but never felt the need. Also as I grow lots of potatoes I know it'll be more likely to cause scab so will carry on not using it.

[Odsox]

My soil is most definitely on the acid side of neutral but the only crops I lime are brassicas.
I find that if I don't lime them, especially sprouts, I get tip burn which makes the sprouts inedible.
When I do lime, I use ordinary builders lime which is quick acting and short lasting, which means I can grow potatoes the next year without any problems.