Is it too late (February) to spread lime over my vegetable garden? - Ask Extension
I plan to send in a specimen from my vegetable garden for testing this spring, however I was wondering if I should go ahead and spread lime over it no...
Knowledgebase
Is it too late (February) to spread lime over my vegetable garden? #923913
Asked January 25, 2026, 3:29 PM EST
I plan to send in a specimen from my vegetable garden for testing this spring, however I was wondering if I should go ahead and spread lime over it now. I see than you recommend spreading lime in the fall. Is it too late to do it now in February?
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Diane. It's a good idea to have your (native) soil tested before adding any product that will change its pH. (You don't need to test raised bed garden soil if it's potting soil.) But lime doesn't act quickly, and OSU recommends that it be applied a year before the crop is planted. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/extd8/files/documents/em9057.pdf
If you use the OSU Soil Testing Lab, they will recommend how much lime, if any, need be applied for the specific crop(s) you are growing. https://cropandsoil.oregonstate.edu/shl/testing-services/soil-testing
But I suggest that you get the test results back (for both pH and soil nutrients) before doing anything. Good luck!
If you use the OSU Soil Testing Lab, they will recommend how much lime, if any, need be applied for the specific crop(s) you are growing. https://cropandsoil.oregonstate.edu/shl/testing-services/soil-testing
But I suggest that you get the test results back (for both pH and soil nutrients) before doing anything. Good luck!
