Soil Lime: Calcitic vs. Dolomitic – What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
When it comes to improving your soil, lime plays a critical role in balancing pH and boosting plant health. But not all lime is the same. At Oakway Farm & Garden, we carry Calcitic Lime and Dolomitic Lime, each with specific benefits depending on your soil’s needs.
Dolomitic Lime
What it is: A type of lime that contains both calcium and magnesium—made from dolomite rock.Use it when:Your soil is acidicYour magnesium levels are low (common in sandy or weathered soils)You need to raise both pH and magnesium at the same timeWhy it's important: Magnesium is key for photosynthesis and healthy green foliage. Dolomitic lime is a great choice when your soil needs both pH correction and magnesium supplementation.
Calcitic Lime
What it is: Made from crushed limestone, calcitic lime is high in calcium but contains very little magnesium.Use it when:Your soil is acidic (low pH)Your calcium levels are low, but magnesium levels are sufficient or highYou're growing crops that benefit from added calcium (e.g., tomatoes, lettuces, brassicas)Why it's important: Calcium is essential for strong cell walls, root development, and nutrient uptake. Calcitic lime is especially helpful in improving soil structure and reducing nutrient lock-up in acidic soils.
Get a Soil Test First
Applying the wrong type of lime—or too much—can do more harm than good. That’s why we strongly recommend starting with a professional soil test.A soil test will tell you: Your soil pH Calcium and magnesium levels Other key cations (potassium, hydrogen, etc.)This information is critical to choosing the right lime product and applying the correct amount.Need help with soil testing?
Oakway Farm & Garden can assist with local testing resources and help you interpret the results. Bring us your soil test—we’ll help you choose the right products to get your soil in balance.
Happy Frog® Raised Bed SoilWhat it is: A premium ready-to-use planting mix formulated specifically for raised bed gardens. Made with composted forest humus, earthworm castings, and beneficial microbes.Use: Perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers in raised beds.How to use: Fill your raised bed with Happy Frog Raised Bed Soil and plant directly. No mixing required. Water thoroughly after planting.
Mushroom CompostWhat it is: A dark, rich compost made from the organic growing media used in commercial mushroom production—typically a blend of straw, hay, peat moss, gypsum, and poultry litter. Once mushrooms are harvested, the remaining compost is aged and cured, creating a nutrient-dense soil amendment.Use: Excellent for enriching garden beds, flower borders, lawns, and vegetable plots. Mushroom compost improves soil structure, increases moisture retention, and delivers slow-release nutrients that promote healthy plant growth.How to use:In gardens: Mix into the top 3–6 inches of soil before planting.As a top dressing: Spread a 1–2 inch layer around existing plants or over lawns.In raised beds or containers: Blend with native soil, compost, or topsoil at a 1:1 ratio.Note: Mushroom compost is slightly alkaline—best used with acid-loving plants (like blueberries or azaleas) only after testing soil pH.
Double Ground Hardwood Mulch (Bulk)What it is: A finely shredded, natural hardwood mulch available in bulk.Use: Ideal for landscaping, garden beds, trees, and walkways. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.How to use: Spread 2–3 inches deep around plants and over bare soil. Avoid piling against tree trunks or plant stems.