Liming 2 year covered soil before planting spuds?

[Chef_uk]

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?

[WendyC]

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.

[VirginVegGrower]

It could cause scab. Why do you need to lime it?

[Chef_uk]

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?

[PAULW]

No lime is alkali and will bring a low PH acid soil up if you want it lowered add sulphur.

[zazen999]

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?

Lime will highten the pH, not lower it. You are looking ideally for 6.5 - slightly acid.

[Alison]

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.

[Aberdeenplotter]

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.

[Alison]

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

[Two_Sheds]

Chicken muck is far too high in nitrogen.

... and it's on the alkaline side, so might give your spuds scab

[di]

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.

[vegnut]

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.

[Snadger]

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!

[Chef_uk]

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

[Aberdeenplotter]

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 own