Local Town Pages www.franklintownnews.com
March 1, 2011
Page 3
Want a Green Lawn? Lime It This Springtime BY JEFF BUTENSKY An important component of landscaping is the use of lime. Soil can be acid ("sour"), or alkaline ("sweet"). The soil is acidic when the pH is below 7.0, and our soils are usually acidic. Many residential landscaping problems can be solved or avoided simply by applying lime each year. Many plants cannot thrive or survive if the pH is too low, but lime has many other benefits. Applying lime to your lawn and garden is synonymous to people taking vitamins, as it contains calcium and nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and iron, and others. Seasonal use of lime improves the flow of water through the soil and improves soil moisture retention. Lime is also a mild insect repellent, but does not seem to bother earthworms. Many homeowners either do not use lime, or more commonly, do not use enough. The typical quarter acre of grass needs about 400
pounds per year, at a cost of only about $50 if purchased in 40 pound packages. Lime can solve and prevent many gardening problems and reduce your need for chemical fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide applications designed to maintain or restore your lawn or garden.
on the needs of any particular plant and will test your soil pH for a fee or sell home testing kits. However, pH can vary on your property, so test a few different spots. An effective way to apply lime to gardens is by mixing it with mulch or working it into the soil around your plants. Like all gardening supplements, keep lime off the flower and shrub leaves.
A common misconception is that lime "burns" your lawn. However, browning can occur by the misuse of weed and feed products or pesticides, or the chemical reactions between different lawn chemicals. However, the most common cause of burning is excess sun and lack of water, or severe misuse of any landscaping product. Never mix lime with fertilizers and always apply separately.
Lime is generally harmless if used properly, but like any lawn product, it should be handled with care. The pellet form is safer than the powder, as the powder could be inhaled if the wind blows during application. Be sure to wear gloves and shoes during application and avoid walking in the area for a period of days afterward.
Lime is essential for flowers, shrubs, and vegetable gardens, although it varies based on plant type. Some plants like more acidic soil, while other like less acidic soil. Garden centers can guide you
It is best to water thoroughly after a lime application. Try to time your application when rain is in the forecast, or use outdoor irrigation, but be sure to comply with the local outdoor watering rules.
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Lime is a natural geological product and is basically ground up rocks, so it does not dissolve in soil quickly. It should take a few months to degrade into your soil as its components get absorbed by your plants and grass slowly. Lime is generally available all year, but the large bulk economical packages are only available in the Spring. The best time to apply is in the springtime and early autumn, and it is safe to store in a cool, dry place for an application later in the season. Although the use of lime is most common in the spring, it could be applied anytime. Avoid using "quick lime" as this can contain chemicals designed to speed up the breakdown of the lime into your soil which is unnecessary. Lime should be viewed as a long term annual investment, not a one time quick fix. Aside from beautifying your garden, adding lime to your landscaping practices will reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. The benefits of lime are cumulative and should be repeated every year for the best results.
Dean Bank Operations Manager Promoted Wayne A. Cottle, President of Dean Bank, has announced that Keri Brown, Operations Manager at Dean Bank’s Operations Center in Bellingham has been promoted to Operations Officer. Cottle stated, “Keri’s contributions over the past four years have made a positive impact on the institution and its customers. We’re pleased to be able to recognize these contributions and are confident that Keri will continue to effectively serve our customers in her role as a bank officer.” Ms. Brown has worked at Dean Bank since April of 2007 and has held previous Deposit Operations positions at Capital Crossing Bank, Lighthouse Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank throughout her banking career. She is a graduate of Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts and currently resides in Braintree, Massachusetts.
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