Q: I understand local soils tend to be acidic and that you're supposed to sweeten them with lime. So what's so bad about acidic soil? Does sweet soil grow sweeter crops?
A: There's nothing bad about slightly acidic soil. In fact most plants do best in soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Think of pH as a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a material. 7 is neutral on the 14 point logarithmic scale for pH. Numbers below 7 describe acidic materials and those above 7 describe basic ones.
As soil pH's dip below 6, mineral nutrients start to form insoluble compounds. That's a problem because plants have to absorb minerals dissolved in water; they can't use them in insoluble form.
Liming an acidic soil won't produce sweeter crops, but it will make a greater range of nutrients available to plants. That should help them do well and sweeten your outlook on gardening.
Q: What's the difference between regular lime and dolomitic lime? Someone told me I should be using the dolomitic around here.
A: Regular or agricultural lime is calcium carbonate. Dolomitic lime contains magnesium as well as calcium carbonate. Since our soils tend to be deficient in magnesium, dolomitic is the lime of choice.
Q: Is there a best time of year to apply lime to lawns and gardens?
A: There is, and it's now. Even though lime looks and feels like flour, it needs a good 3 to 4 months to dissolve into your soil. It might as well dissolve in winter when lawns are semi-dormant and gardens idle. By spring, when lawns resume vigorous growth and you're ready to plant early garden crops, the lime will have done its work making a wide range of nutrients available.
ORGANIC GARDENING COURSE
If you'd like to learn how to garden organically, mark your calendar for January 14 & 28 and February 4 & 18. In four 6 hour classes, WSU Master Gardeners will cover such topics as soils, vegetables, small fruits and berries, garden management, pest control, harvest, and even preservation.
Classes run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Norm Dicks Center, 345 6th Street in downtown Bremerton. The cost for all four classes is $150.00. That fee includes materials. It's also possible to attend one or several classes for $45 each.
For information and to register online, go to http://kitsap.wsu.edu.
Q: We are trying to find some apple tree starts, one "Melrose" and one "Yellow Delicious". Can you recommend a source?
A: While you're unlikely to find young trees this time of year, chances should improve in late winter or early spring. I'd start with a local nursery. Tell the folks there what you want and ask if they can order it. Given the popularity of the varieties you want, I'd be surprised if they couldn't fill your order.
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