Lemons Or Limes? Which One?
Hi Magic 8, It depends upon the size of the pot. There are also different types of lime...dolomite lime is not as harsh and hazardous as the older type of hydrated lime. You can add dolomite lime at a rate of 2.5 to 5 lbs per 100 sq ft. Of course, you have much less space than that, so I would work no more than a TBSP, if it is in a BIG, deep pot, into the top inch or so of the soil and then water it well. I would also spread it around the outside of the pot...not too close to the roots. Here's a really good article on the benefits of lime. It's NOT just to sweeten the soil but improves the structure, especially in clay soils. Can't believe you have tomatoes blooming already! I can't even think of putting mine out yet!
mix with water first , in a pot you need a solution high in potash
I wouldn't use more than a tablespoon sprinkled over the soil and lightly scratched in. With lime you risk raising the pH into alkaline while tomatoes like a slightly acidic soil. So don't go overboard. You can also use Epsom salts..........but I wouldn't use both. You have the lime now. Normally a good tomato fertilizer has all the nutrients you need, extras aren't necessary.
Spread it around on the surface.
You don't want to add lime to your tomato plant as it needs an acidic soil to grow properly. Lime will raise the pH and make the soil more alkaline. There are various ways to grow a tomato in a pot and the best is to use a fertilizer for tomatoes. It will contain all the nutrients that he plant needs to grow, bloom and, if the flowers are fertilized, then you will have a great harvest even off one plant. You can add the lime to you lawn as grass likes an alkaline soil. Put it down just before rain or you can water it in with a hose. Miracle-Gro make a tomato fertilizer. Just follow the recommended direction on the label and you should have a great little garden in a pot!
