Why would you apply lime at all unless you already know the pH of the existing soil, and what pH you are trying to achieve?

You need a soil test that measures pH and CEC, cation exchange capacity. That is the basis for a lime recommendation, if needed, in tons or lbs per acre. There are 43,560 sq ft per acre. A little math will tell you how many lbs per bed.

No one can give a credible recommendation from the information you have listed.

Agree that the addition of lime to a raised bed isn't automatic or even required. The majority wouldn't need it and adding it only skews the pH and creates more problems. So what makes you think you need to add any?

As others have pointed out, its use all depends on first knowing what you pH is to begin with. That requires a professional soil test.

More importantly lime takes time to work so it is normally added, when needed, long before planting time.

Dave

All well reasoned and said well.

adding lime, even if needed, is not going to raise pH overnight. There are other fast acting SWEETNERS. Epson salt (magnesium sulfate) can also raise pH fast. So do phosphate. Nitrates, sulfates.. will lower pH.

I don't know what the PH of my soil is. I just add lime to my soil mixes because that is what most soil mixes call for.

My question is, if I don't add lime is it going to cause problems for the plants I'm growing in the soil mix I created?

I pretty much added what all plants need....drainage, aeration and food.

You only need to add lime if your soil is too acidic. Without knowing the pH of your current soil there is no way anyone can give you a recommendation.

because that is what most soil mixes call for.

What soil mixes call for lime? Commercial bagged mixes sometimes include some lime but how much if any all depends on the company recipe.

If you are using a specific recipe to make your own mix and that recipe calls for adding lime then that recipe should tell you how much to add and which type of lime to use. Otherwise it is just guesswork.

My question is, if I don't add lime is it going to cause problems for the plants I'm growing in the soil mix I created?

There is no way to know the answer to that without knowing the pH of the mix. It is the pH that determines whether the plants will have problems or not. That is why most people buy mix that is already pH balanced rather than try to make their own.

Dave

kawaiineko:

I'd go over to the container forum, tell them exactly what your soil mix consists of, and ask them if they think it needs some lime. However, a cheap, reliable ph test will tell you where you sit. Lime usually is added for 2 reasons -- adjust ph and deliver calcium and magnesium. But there are different ways of delivering these nutrients to your plants without raising/lowering the ph.

Kevin