Dolomite offers several key benefits to maintaining a great garden. But what is dolomite, and how can it help your plants? Keep reading as our team at A Garden Patch explains why you might want to start using dolomite in gardening.
What Is Dolomite (aka Lime Powder)?
Dolomite is a grayish-whitish powder produced from a carbonate crystalline substance. Once you crush this mineral, you have “lime powder.”
Dolomite powder is high in calcium and magnesium, giving plants valuable nutrients to grow healthy and strong. This garden lime powder can also raise the pH of the soil. Many experienced gardeners use dolomite to help balance overly acidic soil.
How Does Dolomite Affect Plants?
By adding dolomite powder to vegetable gardens, gardeners can feed their plants with necessary nutrients. Dolomite can do a couple of important things for your plants.
1. Adjust Soil pH Levels
Some plants prefer acidic soils, but many can’t survive if the soil reaches a certain pH level. They can’t access necessary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium and often grow incorrectly, produce substandard fruit, and even die.
With dolomite powder, you can adjust the soil pH levels and help your plants stay healthy. It changes the soil’s acidity so your plants get what they need to survive and thrive. If you suspect your garden soil is too acidic, applying dolomite lime powder is an excellent solution.
First, you’ll want to check your soil pH levels. If it stands at 5.5 and should go up to 6.5, add five pounds of dolomite powder per 100 square feet of space. You can follow this basic mathematical guideline for attaining the desired soil pH level.
2. Boost Calcium and Magnesium
Calcium and magnesium are two essential nutrients in growing healthy crops. When the soil has too much acidity, plants can lack these minerals and suffer. Fortunately, you can boost your soil’s calcium and magnesium with dolomite.
We recommend applying dolomite lime two to three weeks before you start planting to boost calcium and magnesium levels effectively. The soil requires plenty of time to integrate the powder before helping plants grow.
Which Plants Like Dolomite?
Dolomite lime helps reduce soil acidity and makes it more neutral. Therefore, plants that prefer neutral soil will also like dolomite. You can also use dolomite in neutral soil for plants that need soil on the alkaline side.
Most of your plants will grow better in neutral soil. However, some vegetables prefer alkaline soil. These include:
- Brussels sprouts
- Asparagus
- Beets
Some plants also require more extra calcium and magnesium than other plants as they develop. By adding dolomite to the soil, you can give particular vegetables a much-needed boost, such as:
- Onions
- Beans
- Garlic
- Parsnips
- Tomatoes
It’s important to note that not every plant benefits from dolomite. You’ll want to research plants that grow better in acidic soil before applying this lime compound.
When Is the Best Time to Use Dolomite?
If you’re new to using dolomite in gardening, you may wonder, “When is the best time to use it?” Is there a best time to use dolomite? Does dolomite work better if you apply it in specific conditions?
The best time to add dolomite to your vegetable gardens and flower beds is during the spring or autumn. You’ll want to do it when there’s zero chance of frost or below-freezing weather so that the soil can integrate the nutrients. You’ll also want to pick a clear, calm day when high winds and rain won’t inhibit the earth from absorbing the dolomite lime.
For boosting calcium and magnesium, apply dolomite two to three weeks before planting. You can add some as needed while the plants grow to encourage overall health and avoid nutrient deficiencies.
How Do You Apply Dolomite?
As with other fertilizers and soil improvement products, you’ll want to use a specific method to apply dolomite. You should mix dolomite into the top six inches of soil before planting vegetables or flowers in the area. To minimize the chances of harming existing plant life, you should apply dolomite evenly throughout each season.
If you use it right, dolomite in gardening can significantly improve your flowers and vegetables. A Garden Patch’s garden dolomite can take your green thumb success to the next level. With our GrowBox, you can also ensure that your plants get all the necessary nutrients like dolomite for proper growth and a plentiful harvest.
Our dolomite gives your flower beds and vegetable garden that extra oomph. It benefits your plants in the following ways:
- Maintaining a soil pH of 6.0–6.8
- Boosting calcium and magnesium intake
- Sweetening the potting soil organically
- Protecting against blossom-end rot
- Contributing to healthier, happier fruit
What If You Use Too Much Dolomite Powder?
Yes, too much dolomite can be a bad thing. Using too much lime powder or applying it too often could harm your fruits and vegetables.
You can avoid applying too much dolomite by testing the soil’s pH before using dolomite. Don’t mix in the lime powder if the pH value exceeds 6 or use conservative dosages like 250-300 grams per square meter.
We recommend using caution when combining other fertilizers with dolomite. Some don’t react well to the lime powder. A good practice is to use only dolomite by itself at the end of the growing season.
Key Takeaways
- Dolomite offers many benefits for your garden.
- Not every plant likes dolomite, so you should do some research before applying it.
- Apply dolomite on clear days during the spring and fall to ensure that the soil absorbs it properly.
- We recommend testing your soil pH value and not overusing dolomite powder.
Grow Like a Pro With Garden Patch’s GrowBox
Gardening can be discouraging for first-timers. However, if you learn more about fertilizers for vegetable gardens, you’ll be well on your way to success.
With our GrowBox, you can grow like a pro and enjoy a harvest without all the hardship. A Garden Patch GrowBox helps you with dolomite in gardening, giving your plants what they need to thrive. Order online or call us today at (800) 519-1955!
