lime

[the plumber]

i have a chance of some builders lime for my allotment. this is the hotter stuff. if i treat my allotment with it. will it damage sub soil creatures . i.e. worms etc.any advice welcome. cheers ,the plumber.

[BertieFox]

Not sure if you mean quick lime (Calcium oxide) or the product when it is slaked or has had water added, when it become Calcium hydroxide. Neither are the same as garden lime which is principally powdered limestone or calcium carbonate.

While it might neutralise an acid soil, I am not sure what good this product would do to wildlife and garden creatures. All I know is that when I applied it to the walls of a property I was rendering, using my bare hands, I ended up with terrible blisters and sores which lasted for almost a month.

I would not put this on my garden except as a very final resort..... or 'final solution'!

Garden lime isn't expensive, use the proper stuff, and keep your quick lime for building work and lime plaster!

[KevinM67]

The link below is the RHS guide to liming - and identifies the Builder's lime as 'Hydrated Lime' or 'Calcium Hydroxide' (well done Bertie !!!)

It doesn't mention anything about being harmful to creatures - apart from humans if not wearing gloves and/or goggles.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=144'

[Bigmallly]

As it is basically an Alkaline product, it will neutralise acid soil. I have in the past sparingly sprinkled it around Brassicas but it all depends what your soil is like to start with.