Making Gardens Grow (NAPSA)—No matter what’s erowing, youll probably find lime at the root of a beautiful garden. Lime is used to help control a soil’s pH level. Acidic soil with low pH, or “soursoil,” is not conducive to healthy plant growth. The pH level of soil can affect a garden’s health. Hydrated lime is particularly effective in neutralizing soil acid- ity and providing essential plant nutrients such as calcium and magnesium for flowers and vegetable gardens. Lime’s benefits do not end there, though. “In addition to providing a healthier pH, hydrated lime improves soil structure and helps makesoil ‘alive’ by promoting ben- eficial microbes,” explains Dave Jackson of Oldcastle. Jackson says hydrated limeis especially effective with alkaline- loving plants such as narcissus, geranium, crocus, pachysandra, asparagus and leeks. For example, adding hydrated lime yields pink hydrangea blooms rather than blue. For more information, visit www.yardright.com.
