Thread: Difference between dolomite and garden lime?

What is the difference between fine dolomite lime and garden lime / pulverized limestone? I use garden lime outside in my garden. I want to mix my own indoor potting soil that calls for one cup of fine dolomite lime. What's the difference? I've also heard of hydrated lime. Is that garden lime, either?

do not use the hydrated lime.their is no difference betwen dolomite lime and garden lime.

I read about hydraded lime and have already decided not to purchase any. If you are sure about the dolomite lime being the same as pulverized limestone / garden lime, than you saved me a hella lot of trouble. Thanks.

difference betwen dolomite lime and garden lime

dolomite lime is high in magnesium as well as calcium

garden lime is mainly just calcium

I am NOT sure this is true, but a local nursery employee said the 'dolomite lime' is made ground seashells, while regular lime is from ground stone, etc ... beats the hell outta me

Fine Dolomite Lime has long been a favourite pH stabilizer for gardens. It is difficult to apply too much as long as it is thoroughly mixed into the soil. Dolomite has a neutral pH of 7, and can never raise the pH above 7. It stabilizes the pH safely.
Compensate for acidic soil by mixing dolomite with soil before planting. Dolomite is a compound of Mg (Magnesium) and Ca (Calcium). Dolomite does not prevent toxic salt build-up caused by impure water and fertilizer build-up. Proper fertilizer and regular leaching (To remove soluble or other constituents from by the action of running water through the medium (soil makeup)) helps flush away toxic salts. When purchasing look for Dolomite Flour, the finest fast-acting dust-like grade available. Coarse Dolomite could take a year or more before it becomes available for uptake by roots. Improperly mixed dolomite will stratify, forming a cake or layer that burns roots and repels water.

Limestone Dolomite Fine Dolomitic Flour prilled lime - eBay (item 300381033744 end time Jan-02-10 10:11:00 PST)

Here are techinical specs on it, very HIGH magnesium, a BIG plus...
http://www.bakerlime.com/images/Prod...eets/AG-18.pdf

VERY good post, Daydream

Originally Posted by daydream

Here are techinical specs on it, very HIGH magnesium, a BIG plus...

Magnesium overdosing will lock-out nutrients and potentially kill your ladies.
Use care. The official epsom salts not miracle cure thread

Crap. Guess I'm getting old. Thought I added this link to the previous post. I thought wrongly.

Lime - the Vital Fertiliser: Damn near everything you need to know about lime and soil ph. Do keep in mind though, they are mainly referring to garden and agricultural soils, not necessarily potting mixes. (for those growing outdoors in containers)

From the article: "Dolomite lime is similar to garden lime but contains a higher percentage of magnesium."

If you are looking at the Epsoma Garden Lime it is dolomite lime, which includes calcium and magnesium. You can crush some up into finer particles if you need it to act faster. Add it to your peat mix and let it sit damp for a week or two and your PH should be stable. 1 tbsp lime/gallon of your mix.

Pre mixed peat based potting soils already have dolomite lime added but if the soil will be used for a very long stretch or reused you may need to add more down the road.