Can I Add Limestone At The Same Time As Fertilizer?

Q: I’m starting a cut flower business on my land. My UGA soil report says I needed to add 55 pounds of limestone per 1000 square feet. Can I do this at the same time I add fertilizer? 

A: Lime and fertilizer accomplish two different things in a flower bed. Lime is mixed into the soil to change the soil pH. This helps plant roots absorb fertilizer. Lime takes several weeks to become active in the soil so fall is a good time to apply it. Fertilizer is used to promote plant growth, so putting it out in the fall doesn’t make sense if you’ll be planting the seed for flowers next spring. Bottom line: till lime into the soil now and apply fertilizer a couple of weeks before you plant in spring.

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