Dolomite Lime?

[mysidx]

I read a lot here about adding dolomite lime to container soil, is that always necessary?
I have two containers that have a mix of metro-mix and compost, and I was just going to add some slow released fertilizer to it and that's all.

[fortyonenorth]

Metromix is probably pH adjusted out of the bag. I would add dolomite lime UNLESS your fertilizer includes calcium and magnesium. Look at your fert label and it will list any additional nutrients (e.g. calcium), most likely under the NPK percentages. Again, if it includes Ca and Mg, you can forego the dolomite.

[mysidx]

How much do I add, and how long does it last? I am using 5gal and 10 gal pots.

[fortyonenorth]

Metro-Mix is pH adjusted, so you won't need much. I'd add 1 oz. to the 5 gal (thoroughly mixed) and 2 oz. to the 10 gal. I've provided the amount in terms of weight because volume will differ depending on whether you use finely ground or pelletized lime. Again, if your fertilizer includes calcium and magnesium you do NOT need to add additional lime.

The lime will last the entire season.

[mysidx]

Thank you fortyonenorth, you've been a big help.

[casserole]

Dolomite lime is added to pine bark based mixes because the bark is acidic ,dolomite fixes that ....
Ca and Mg dont address the acidicy at all,

[augiedog55]

So you don't need to use domomlite lime unless you are using mixes in containers with bark fines??.. I'm going to half my containers with raybo mix and the other half won't have fines. Both will have promix bx in them.

[JamesL]

Augiedog55,
I am using promix bx as well with Raybo's mix. I had gone back and forth with Raybo on the ratio as BX has more perlite in it than the Sunshine mix he uses. Adjusted the ratio from 3-2-1 to 8-5-2 to account for it. It seems to be working well.

Lime - Raybo has it in his Earthtainer guide to add 3 cups. (up from 2 in the old version)
I had read some commentary from Al Tapla awhile back where he suggested that Promix BX had enough Ca to bring up the PH and that tomato tone, with 5% Ca might be enough, contingent on what you are growing.
(Note that the new tomato tone has 8%)

Here are 2 good threads on Ca supplementation to fight BER that are well worth reading:
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=14513
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=19973

[augiedog55]

Thanks James for the links

[swinefka]

This is a good thread, I have a question about this. Listed below is the mix that I have my tomato seeds planted in and this is what will be in my 5 gallon buckets as well when I transfer them over when they get bigger. Do I need to add lime to this mix?

Miracle Grow Potting mix
Spagnum Peat moss
Cow manure compost
Perlite

All of these are added based on equal amounts.

[mysidx]

From what I was told, I'd say yes swinefka

[rnewste]

The EarthBox folks have done a great deal of research on components which should be added into SWC container grow media. They recommend 2 Cups Dolomite Lime when planting - - and replanting each Season into their EarthBox (see page 2). This has NOTHING to do with bark fines. You decide.....

http://www.earthbox.com/earthbox-pdf...IONS_NEW-2.pdf

Raybo

[sprtsguy76]

As a general rule I add 1 tbsp of dolomite lime per 1 gallon of mix weather or not the mix I'm using has lime in it or not. From what I've observed it is hard to over do it with dolomite lime.

Damon

[swinefka]

Thanks for the replies!!

[mysidx]

I have already mix in a ounce to two ounces into my five and ten gal. containers, so if I feel I need more, can I sprinkle some on top of the soil?