*My Second Video* Using the DiPaolo Brothers Method: Granulated Limestone as a Mulch

[ross]

Hello everyone,

I wanted to showcase the pros and cons of using the DiPaolo Brother's (The past owners of Belleclare Nursery) method of adding granulated limestone as a mulch.

Let me know if you enjoyed the video! Thanks.

[Dave]

Thanks for posting this I wanted to ask for a long time if anyone was using the same amount of lime as BelleClare? sometimes what works for one person doesn't work for others Good video

[ross]

Glad you enjoyed it, Dave!

[AscPete]

Belleclaire Nursery recommended using Granular Limestone, the grain size is much larger and it will not cake like Pulverized and Pelletized Limestone.
Its consistency is that of very coarse sand, attached is a comparison photo that I shared a few years ago. Due to the larger grain size it can easily be removed per their recommendations.

I prefer using the pulverized and pelletized Limestone mixed into the potting mixes.

[ross]

The granulated lime I use changes consistency. It's nice for the first month, but then it just forms into a solid rock. Especially when wet.

The lime I use is in granulated pellets a little larger than osmocote: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Soil-Doct...ular+limestone

Where do you get your lime, Pete?

[AscPete]

The Limestone is Pelletized or Prilled, its pellets formed with a water soluble binder, when wet it dissolves into a fine powder.

Real Granular Limestone is a coarse ground grains of limestone as shown in the photos. It was purchased in 50 lb. bags at a local Nursery. Home Depot, Lowes and Walmart carry Pelletized, Pulverized or both never the Granular Ground.

[ross]

Good to know, Pete. Although this new information kind of contradicts my entire video :/

[vito12831]

I've used the granular lime with good results, no caking, I like that the water slowly drains into the pot and doesn't just run out of the bottom.
I stopped using it only because it made the pot too heavy. Ross I did like your post.
Vito

[ross]

Where did ya get your lime, Vito?

And thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[vito12831]

I got the lime at Agway. I don't know if you have them where you are.

[don_sanders]

Thanks for the video Ross. Do you take requests? How about one on setting up an irrigation system?

I could see the granular limestone removing the drainage issue. Why do they recommend replacing it regularly?

[ross]

Just for you, Don: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxuhdQivA2o

[don_sanders]

Awesome! I bet electrical tape would seal up those in between sections pretty well. At least it works on minor garden hose repair.

Thanks.

[ross]

I tried the duct tape. No dice. I'll try the electrical tape tomorrow.

[ross]

It is possible that the lime needs a change and it's way overdue. That's probably what my problem is.

[AscPete]

Just curious...
What are the container sizes and How much Lime was added to the tops of the corresponding containers?

[ross]

1 inch to 1.5 inches of lime per 5 gallon, Pete. It's definitely preventing the root zone from getting wet. If I can't find any Granular I'm going to forget the idea and just add the Pelletized to my mix.

[AscPete]

Thanks for the reply,

BTW, it also dramatically changes the pH and Nutrient Availability of the mix for at least several weeks, until most of the increased alkalinity is flushed out with regular watering.

@1" deep 11" diameter its approximately 6 - 1/2 cups of Lime per 5 gallon container.

[AscPete]

Using true Granular limestone is similar to using coarse sand as a mulch, but the actual benefits of additional Calcium and magnesium is reduced because the soil line between the "Mulch" and Soil Surface is the only place that the soil microbes will be able to metabolize the minerals for easy absorption by the plant roots. That's why they recommend replacing the Mulch yearly since the finer particles / dust will have already been washed down into the soil and metabolized and the larger Limestone grains will take years if not decades to wear down.