Wood ashes and flue dust also contain some plant nutrients, particularly potassium. The primary purpose of liming, however, is to neutralize soil acidity, not to add plant nutrients. Lime can be applied any time of the year, but a winter application will begin to neutralize soil acidity before spring growth. On established plants, space lime and fertilizer applications at least 2 weeks apart or plants may be injured. Use finely ground lime materials to assure quick neutralization of soil acidity.
Most liming materials are in fine, dusty powders.
A pelleted limestone is available in some locations that will dissolve in rain, is dust free, and is easy to apply accurately using a lawn spreader. Lime moves about 1 inch per year down through the soil. This slow movement of lime makes it important to mix lime deeply into the soil before planting ornamentals. For established plants, apply a maximum of 5 pounds of ground limestone per 100 square feet per application. This is equivalent to 1 ton per acre.